Why does ASEAN still remain principally an economic association?
ASEAN still remain principally an economic association. ASEAN was established in 1967 by five countries of this region. This region is much smaller than other associations like EU, the US and Japan. The main objective of ASEAN was to accelerate economic growth. ASEAN is rapidly growing into a very important regional organisation. It is the basis of creating a common market and production within the region and boost social and economic development in the region. It has created a Free-Trade Area for investment, labour and services. Its vision 2020 has defined an outward-looking role for ASEAN in the international community. In its vision 2020 ASEAN has hoped that it will become very strong in an economy that it will be able to play an important role in international affairs.
