I think in Vietnam, for example, breast feeding rates a less than 20%. In Thailand it is as low as 5%.
In these countries and others formula is seen as something to aspire to, something rich people use and breast feeding is seen as something for the poor or underclasses.
Formula is also largely seen as superior to breast milk.
In developing countries formula companies eat up deals with midwives and doctors to push their products. To give away free samples and formula use is heavily encouraged by health professionals. Families can't afford it, it can cost half their income to buy formula. Formula companies know the heavy promotion of their product kills babies, but they don't care because it makes them money.
They shouldn't be able to get away with it, but they do. This is just one reason why I would do everything within my power not to use their products.