EU-ASEAN ties flourishing

EU-ASEAN ties flourishing

EU-ASEAN relations, which have been progressing fast and deep over the years, have gained new momentum since the successful EU- ASEAN ministerial meeting in Karlsruhe.

The sustained economic growth achieved by ASEAN countries has generated a wave of self-confidence in regional economies. This changing attitude in ASEAN has been matched by a corresponding change in Europe as well. In the EU there is a growing perception of the importance of the Asia-Pacific region and an outlook that ASEAN should remain a cornerstone of the EU's dialogue with the Asian region.

With regard to the ongoing EU-ASEAN dialogue it may suffice to mention that both EU and ASEAN ministers meeting at their 11th session in Karlsruhe last year recognized that the time had come to replace old patterns with a wider relationship marked by a truly equal partnership. ASEAN and the EU also support the idea of holding a Europe-Asia summit next year.

While Europeans have identified Asia as a potential privileged partner, it is also believed that ASEAN could be Europe's springboard to new markets in the Asia-Pacific. On the other hand, Europe wishes to send the message to Asians that the "old continent" remains open for business. With a single market of 370 million high-income consumers, Europe offers huge and profitable possibilities for Asian entrepreneurs.