The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, is a regional intergovernmental organization consisting of ten Southeast Asian countries. Headquartered in Jakarta, ASEAN’s members are Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), Brunei Darussalam and Vietnam.
First established on 8 August 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration by their foreign ministers. The five countries were later joined by Cambodia (November 1975), Laos (July 1977), Burma (July 1997) and Brunei Darussalam (January 1984).
ASEAN exists to promote intergovernmental cooperation and facilitate economic integration in order to strengthen the association as well as individual member states. As of 2016, ASEAN has a combined GDP of $2.6 trillion US dollars and is expected to grow even further in the coming years. Thanks to its continued growth and success in promoting peace and stability in Southeast Asia, ASEAN was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005.
ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising of 10 Southeast Asian countries
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional intergovernmental organization that was established in 1967 with the objective of promoting regional peace and economic stability among its 10 members, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Brunei Darussalam and Laos. Through multi-lateral cooperation and collaboration of its member states, ASEAN acts as a powerful collective voice in regional affairs and has contributed positively to regional development initiatives. ASEAN’s primary focus is on creating an environment conducive to cross-regional integration within Southeast Asia while proactively engaging external partnerships to extend its influence around the world. The organization strives to achieve economic growth and social progress for all its citizens through various means such as free trade agreements; implementation of sustainable development projects; promoting regional security dialogues; synergizing efforts to address climate change; resolution of any disputes using reconciliatory methods; and so forth. As a symbol of solidarity between nations, ASEAN stands at the forefront of progress in the region.
Its goal is to promote economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region
ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organization established in 1967 by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, with the aim of fostering regional economic co-operation and integration. Since then, the organization has grown and now consists of 10 countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is driven by a huge potential for economic growth and prosperity created by the region’s population of over 640 million people. Its goal is to promote economic growth in the region through policies that address issues such as human capital development and physical infrastructure. Moreover it aims to improve social progress through social protection measures such as improving access to welfare services and setting Social Protection Floors for each country. Cultural development and understanding is achieved through initiatives such as student exchanges between countries in order to offer a better education experience as well as cultural activities such as annual ASEAN cultural festivals encouraging intercultural cooperation across the region.
ASEAN was founded in 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand
ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) was established in 1967 through a Declaration signed by the initial five founding members of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Since then ASEAN has grown to become one of the world’s most successful regional organizations, comprising ten countries including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam. By working together across two distinct pillars – economic and political security; ASEAN has achieved a level of cohesion and connectedness in Southeast Asia that is widely regarded as a success story in terms of international relations. This promotes peace and stability which underpins various opportunities for its citizens enabling them to reap socio-economic wellbeing both within their country and the wider region.
Brunei Darussalam joined in 1984, followed by Vietnam in 1995, Laos and Myanmar in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999
Brunei Darussalam joined the ASEAN organisation in 1984, followed by Vietnam in 1995 and Laos and Myanmar in 1997. Cambodia was the final nation to join this grouping of Southeast Asian countries in 1999. Since then, ASEAN has become a global leader for sustainable economic development, united under the common purpose to promote regional cooperation and strengthen mutual collaboration across the countries with respect for their different cultures. Through its various programs at work, ASEAN continues its mission to facilitate peace and prosperity across the Southeast Asian region.
The ASEAN Secretariat is based in Jakarta, Indonesia
The ASEAN Secretariat is the body that oversees the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). Through its operations and initiatives, the Secretariat works to foster closer ties and deeper collaboration across the 10 member states. Its headquarters, located in Jakarta, Indonesia not only acts as a centralisation point for decisions and operations based on ASEAN’s agenda but also offers a platform for dialogue on regional and international issues. It provides ongoing support for ASEAN’s integrated plan of action and serves as an information centre for all who require to be informed about ASEAN activities. The Secretariat ensures that activities are progressed efficiently, effectively, transparently and responsibly according to ASEAN’s regional goals.
ASEAN member states have a combined population of over 620 million people
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional organization comprised of ten Member States: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. With this community of nations spanning both the mainland and maritime Southeast Asia comes an impressive population of well over 620 million people. It’s estimated that the combined gross domestic product within ASEAN amounts to nearly $3 trillion USD each year. This affluent collective brings about a huge potential for economic growth for businesses seeking to invest in the region as well as expanding international trade partnerships. Keeping this in mind, ASEAN continues to strengthen diplomatic ties between its Member States and promote cultural exchange initiatives to further benefit the collective whole.
ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organization that was founded in 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Its goal is to promote economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region. ASEAN member states have a combined population of over 620 million people. The ASEAN Secretariat is based in Jakarta, Indonesia. If you are interested in learning more about ASEAN or doing business in Southeast Asia, please contact us. We would be happy to discuss how we can help you achieve your goals.