A bigger ASEAN

ASEAN's 30th anniversary will be marked in Kuala Lumpur next month with a historical event: the admission of three new members, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. The decision puts an end to the question regarding ASEAN's affinity in the face of external pressures, in particular from the European Union and the United States.

We are aware that each of the countries within ASEAN has its own internal problems, which they are trying to gradually overcome. Those internal problems, however, have never prevented them to cooperate within the framework of ASEAN. On the contrary, there is a distinct commitment on the part of all the members to help each other to find a suitable solution to those problems.

This pattern of thinking has apparently moved the ASEAN foreign ministers towards admitting Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. We hope their entry will further strengthen the association as it is facing global competition.

Economically, ASEAN, whose population will reach 500 million, will become a region of huge potentials. It is hoped that not only will ASEAN become a huge market that is capable of attracting other countries, but that it will also gain strength through cooperation among its members.

ASEAN has defined its vision for the future and is in all awareness ready to face the era of free trade and increased competition.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta