A bigger ASEAN

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