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| Overview of ASEAN and Associated Organizations |
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional intergovernmental organization consisting of ten countries in Southeast Asia. Alongside its core body, ASEAN is bolstered by various affiliated organizations and entities that endeavor to advance cooperation, foster economic growth, and enhance social progress within the region.
ASEAN Secretariat:
The ASEAN Secretariat, headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia, serves as the central administrative body of ASEAN. Led by the Secretary-General of ASEAN, appointed for a non-renewable term of five years by the ASEAN Summit, its primary function is to coordinate and support ASEAN activities while facilitating the implementation of projects and programs.
ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF):
Established in 1994, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) functions as a platform for dialogue and consultation on political and security matters in the Asia-Pacific region. Comprising 27 members, including ASEAN states and others like the United States, China, Japan, and India, the ARF seeks to nurture constructive discourse and consultation on issues of mutual interest and concern.
ASEAN Plus Three (APT):
The ASEAN Plus Three (APT) forum, founded in 1997, facilitates collaboration between ASEAN and three East Asian nations: China, Japan, and South Korea. Its objective is to reinforce and deepen cooperation across various levels and areas, particularly focusing on economic and social development.
East Asia Summit (EAS):
Established in 2005, the East Asia Summit (EAS) brings together leaders from 18 countries across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. Serving as a platform for discussions on broad strategic, political, and economic issues, the EAS endeavors to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity in the East Asian region.
ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA):
The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), formed in 1992, is a trade bloc agreement aimed at bolstering intra-regional trade and manufacturing among ASEAN member states. Its goal is to eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers to spur economic growth and attract foreign direct investment to the region.
ASEAN Economic Community (AEC):
Launched in 2015, the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) seeks to integrate the economies of ASEAN member states into a single market and production base. With the vision of fostering a highly competitive economic region, the AEC aims for the free flow of goods, services, investments, skilled labor, and capital, as outlined in the AEC Blueprint 2025.
ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC):
As one of the three pillars of the ASEAN Community, alongside the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) and the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) aims to promote a people-oriented and socially responsible ASEAN. It seeks to foster enduring solidarity and unity among ASEAN member states and their peoples.
ASEAN Foundation:
Established in 1997, the ASEAN Foundation is dedicated to supporting ASEAN's community-building efforts and raising awareness of its vision and mission. Through fostering collaboration among ASEAN peoples, strengthening ASEAN identity, and developing human resources in the region, the Foundation contributes to the advancement of ASEAN's goals.
These organizations and entities, collectively, play pivotal roles in realizing ASEAN's vision of regional integration, prosperity, and unity, while addressing various socio-economic and political challenges in the region.