The Challenge to the realization of ASEAN Vision 2015: ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Single Community

[Writer's Name]

[Name of Institution]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTSII

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background to the Study1

Rationale for the Study2

Statement of the Problems3

Aims and Objectives4

Research Questions4

Significance of the Study4

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW6

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY9

Introduction9

Literature Search9

Demerits of Literature Review11

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION13

ASEAN and the FDI of Channel Trade20

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION25

WORKS CITED27

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional organization of Southeast Asian states created on 8th of August, 1967. The main objectives of ASEAN are to speed up economic growth and the promotion of regional peace and stability. ASEAN has established a joint forum with Japan, and holds a cooperation agreement with the European Union (EU). Its permanent secretariat is in Jakarta. Members of the ASEAN countries (sorted by date of admission) are: Indonesia (August 8, 1967) Malaysia (August 8, 1967) Philippines (August 8, 1967) Singapore (August 8, 1967) Thailand (August 8, 1967) Brunei (January 8, 1984), Vietnam (July 28, 1995) Laos (July 23, 1997) Burma (July 23, 1997) and Cambodia (April 30, 1999). In January 1992, ASEAN agreed to establish a free trade zone and reduce tariffs on agricultural products during a period of 15 years, beginning in 1993.

The ASEAN meeting in July 1994 established the recognition of the need for closer internal relationships, increasing its membership and performing a greater role in regional security after the end of the Cold War. Papua New Guinea has observer country status and Korea has a special status. ASEAN was founded on August 8, 1967 by five countries: Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines. In 2008, there were 10 member states: the five founding countries, and Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Brunei and Myanmar, a candidate country (East Timor) and one observer (Papua New Guinea). (Association of Southeast Asian Nations, 2008)

Since its establishment in December 1967, Association of South East Asia Nations (ASEAN) as has already played as one of important agenda in terms of regional cooperation and foreign policy for each of its member countries. For more than four decades, ASEAN has been able to maintain its existence under the scope of regional cooperation among countries.

The vision of the ASEAN is to establish a region wherein countries can co-exist peacefully, among diversity, and move toward a brighter and securer future for everyone living in Southeast Asia. The vision is to achieve its aspiration of becoming an integrated ASEAN Economic Community by the year 2015. However, since the deadline is fast approaching, it has prompted the observers to wonder whether this vision would be realized or not, as the deadline is only 3 years away. This research looked into the challenges faced by ASEAN to realize its dreams by 2015 and also assessed the progress which ASEAN has so far achieved. (Association of Southeast Asian Nations, pp.1)

Rationale for the Study

ASEAN has many potential to bring about economic progress and developed in the South Asian region. For example, the merchandise trade of ASEAN increased by 32.9% in ...