1. ASEAN: A Community of Opportunities
Khin Thidar Aye
Deputy Director-General
ASEAN Affairs Department
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2. ASEAN – Asia’s Economic
Powerhouse
A huge market:
625 million+
people
GDP:
USD 2.9
trillion
FDI USD
152
billion+

3. If ASEAN were a single country, it would already be the 5th-
largest economy in the world, with a combined GDP of $2.9
trillion in 2018.
‘It is projected to rank as the fourth-largest economy by
2050.’
McKinsey & Co – May 2014
ASEAN

4. ASEAN
• Highly connected:
Physically,
Institutionally and
among the Peoples
• Free trade
agreements with
major regional
economies
• Young educated
labor force

5. ASEAN… DIVERSE
Home to major
religions
Vast natural
resources
Rich culture
Courtesy of ASEAN National Tourism Organisations
Courtesy of ASEAN National Tourism Organisations
Courtesy of ASEAN National Tourism Organisations

6. 10 MEMBER STATES
• Brunei Darussalam (7 January 1984)
• Cambodia (30 April 1999)
• Indonesia (8 August 1967)
• Lao PDR (23 July 1997)
• Malaysia (8 August 1967)
• Myanmar (23 July 1997)
• Philippines(8 August 1967)
• Singapore (8 August 1967)
• Thailand (8 August 1967)
• Viet Nam (28 July 1995)
ASEAN: Association of South East Asian Nations

7. The ASEAN Journey to Community Building
2015
ASEAN Community
2007
Cebu Declaration
2003
Bali Concord II
1997
ASEAN Vision 2020
1967
Bangkok Declaration

8. The ASEAN Journey to Community Building
Bangkok
Declaration
“Accelerate the economic
growth, social progress and
cultural development in the
region through joint
endeavors.”
“Promote regional peace
and stability through
abiding respect for justice
and the rule of law.”
1967

9. The ASEAN Journey to Community Building
“ASEAN as a concert of
Southeast Asian nations,
outward looking, living in
peace, stability and
prosperity, bonded
together in partnership in
dynamic development and
in a community of caring
societies.” 1997

10. The ASEAN Journey to Community Building
“An ASEAN Community
shall be established
comprising three pillars,
namely political and
security cooperation,
economic cooperation,
and socio-cultural
cooperation…”
2003

11. The ASEAN Journey to Community Building
“Accelerate the
establishment of an
ASEAN Community by
2015…”
2007

12. The ASEAN Journey to Community Building
S
2008
2009
2010

13. Why an ASEAN Community?
• Need to intensify political cooperation, strengthen peace
and security in Southeast Asia
• Enhance economic competitiveness of individual Member
States, and of ASEAN as regional market and production
base for global economic competition
• Need to narrow the development gaps
• Need to respond effectively to transnational threats to
human security and new challenges in the 21st century
• Harness human resources and benefit from rich cultural
diversity in the ASEAN region
• Gain international recognition and support for community-
building

14. The ASEAN Journey to Community Building

15. The ASEAN Journey to Community Building

16. Nay Pyi Taw Declaration on the Realization of the
ASEAN Community May 2014
• ASEAN Centrality
• Timely Completion of Milestones in the
Roadmap(2009-2015)
• Institutional Strengthening
• Enhancing External Relations
• Equitable Economic Development etc.

17. Nay Pyi Taw Framework for
ASEAN Community’s Post
2015 Vision
November 2014

18. Post-2015 Vision - APSC
An ASEAN Political-Security Community
where peace, stability and security prevail
and the peoples live in a safe and secured
environment, with shared principles, values
and norms, with enhanced external relations
in depth and scope, strengthened ASEAN's
centrality in the regional architecture, and an
ASEAN common platform on global issues.

19. Post-2015 Vision - AEC
An ASEAN Economic Community for 2016-
2025 (AEC 2025) that includes an integrated
and highly cohesive economy, a competitive,
innovative and dynamic ASEAN, a resilient,
inclusive and people-oriented, people-
centred ASEAN, enhanced sectoral
integration and cooperation, and a global
ASEAN.

20. Post-2015 Vision - ASCC
An ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community that
is inclusive, sustainable, resilient, dynamic
and engages and benefits the people.

21. KUALA LUMPUR DECLARATION ON
ASEAN 2025: FORGING AHEAD
TOGETHER 2015
ADOPT the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, the
ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint
2025, the ASEAN Economic Community
Blueprint 2025 and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural
Community Blueprint 2025;

22. DECIDE that the ASEAN 2025:
Forging Ahead Together succeeds the
Roadmap for an ASEAN Community
(2009-2015);
DECIDE that the IAI Work Plan III and
the ASEAN Connectivity 2025 to be
adopted in 2016 shall be an integral
part of the ASEAN 2025: Forging
Ahead Together ;

23. RESOLVE that ASEAN Member States as well as ASEAN
Organs and Bodies shall implement the ASEAN 2025: Forging
Ahead Together, in a timely and effective manner, in
accordance with the purposes and principles of the ASEAN
Charter;
TASK the ASEAN Ministers, the Secretary-General of ASEAN
as well as other ASEAN Organs and Bodies to mobilise
resources from ASEAN Member States and external sources
to implement the ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together;
DIRECT the Secretary-General of ASEAN to monitor and
report the progress of implementation of the ASEAN 2025:
Forging Ahead Together to the ASEAN Summit annually,
through the ASEAN Coordinating Council and respective
ASEAN Community Councils.

24. ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead
Together
ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead
Together consists of
• 1) the Kuala Lumpur Declaration
on ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead
Together;
• 2) the ASEAN Community Vision
2025;
• 3) the ASEAN Political-Security
Community Blueprint 2025;
• 4) the ASEAN Economic
Community Blueprint 2025; and
• 5) the ASEAN Socio-Cultural
Community Blueprint 2025.

25. ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead
Together
ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together,
which was simultaneously endorsed by the
Leaders at their 27th ASEAN Summit, charts the
path for ASEAN Community building over the
next ten years.
 It is a forward looking roadmap that articulates
ASEAN goals and aspirations to realise further
consolidation, integration and stronger
cohesiveness as a Community.
 ASEAN is working towards a Community that is
“Politically Cohesive, Economically Integrated,
and Socially Responsible".

26. Signing for Community
Establishment

27. Focus of ASEAN Community 2016-2025
 Greater emphasis on the peoples of ASEAN and
their well-being;
 Enhance awareness of ASEAN and its Vision of a
politically cohesive, economically integrated and
socially responsible Community;
 Engage all nationals of ASEAN Member States
through effective and innovative platforms to
promote commitment and identification with
ASEAN policies and regional interests;

28. Focus of ASEAN Community 2016-
2025
 Ensure fundamental freedoms, human rights
and better lives for all ASEAN peoples;
 Strengthen capacity to deal with existing and
emerging challenges while maintaining ASEAN
centrality;
 An outward-looking and global player;
 Implement the ASEAN agenda while pursuing
national aspirations which contribute to ASEAN
Community building; and
 Strengthen ASEAN Organs and the ASEAN
Secretariat.

29. The APSC Blueprint (2016-2025)
Overview
• Political Dimension
– A Rules-based, People-oriented, People-centred Community
• Adhere to and promote ASEAN Fundamental Principles;
• Implement ASEAN Charter, TAC, ASEAN Agreements
signed/ratified;
• Uphold the principle of international Laws;
• Respect the principles of independence, sovereignty, ;
equality, territorial integrity, non-interference;
• Democracy, good governance, the rule of law, promotion and
protection of HR;
• Promote tolerance and moderation;
• Understanding of the political and legal system, culture and
history of AMS;
• Awareness of the people-centered, people oriented
community; & Participation of entities associated with ASEAN;

30. The APSC Blueprint (2016-2025)
Overview
• Security Dimension
– A Peaceful, Secure and Stable Region
• WMD
• Dealing with existing and emerging challenges;
• Timely response to urgent issues or crisis situations
• Non-traditional security issues
– Transnational Crime; Terrorism; Drug Free
ASEAN; Trafficking in Persons and people
Smuggling; Smuggling of small arms and
weapons; Cyber crimes; Disaster Management;
Transnational Crime and Trans-boundary
challenges;
• Peaceful resolution of disputes
• Maritime Security

31. The APSC Blueprint (2016-2025)
Overview
• External Relations Dimension
– ASEAN Centrality in a Dynamic and Outward-looing Region
• Strengthen ASEAN Unity, cohesiveness,
centrality in shaping the evolving regional
architecture build upon ASEAN-led
Mechanism
• Deepen cooperation with DPs, strengthen
engagement with other external partners,
respond collectively and constructively to
global development်

32. The APSC Blueprint (2016-2025)
Overview
• Institutional Dimension
– Strengthen ASEAN Institutional
Capacity and Presence
• Streamline ASEAN Work and improve
coordination among ASEAN Organs,
enhance the conduct of ASEAN external
relations and strengthen the ASEAN
Secretarist
• Strengthen ASEAN presence and
awareness

33. The Community Building Milestones
ASEAP
International recognition of the Treaty of
Amity and Cooperation as a key code of
conduct for inter-state relations in the region
has grown remarkably.
The TAC now has 38 High Contracting
Parties by the end 2019

34. The Community Building Milestones
ASEA93 Non-ASEAN Member States and
organizations have accredited their
Ambassadors to ASEAN.
ASEAN has established 54 ASEAN
Committees in Third Countries around the
globe to further contribute to raise ASEAN
awareness and profile.
APSC Blueprint implementation rate: 93%
(as of 15 December 2019)

35. The AEC Blueprint (2016-2025)
Overview
• A highly integrated and Cohesive Economy
– Seamless movement of goods, services, investment,
capital, skilled labour
• A competitive, Innovative and Dynamic
ASEAN
– Effective competition policy
– Consumer Protection
– IPRs
– Productivity driven growth
– Taxation cooperation
– Good Governance
– Effective, coherence regulations and practice
– Sustainable economic development

36. The AEC Blueprint (2016-2025)
Overview
• Enhance Connectivity and Sectoral
Cooperation
– Transport
– ICT
– E-commerce
– Energy
– Food, Agriculture and Forestry
– Tourism
– Health care
– Mineral
– Science and Technology

37. • A resilient, Inclusive, People-Oriented and
People-centred ASEAN
– Strengthen the role of SMEs
– Strengthen the role of Private Sectors
– Strengthen the role of PPP
– Narrowing the Development Gap
• A Global ASEAN
– Through FTAs
– RCEP
– AHKFTA
The AEC Blueprint (2016-2025)
Overview

38. The Community Building Milestones
ASEstablish ASEAN as:

39. The Community Building Milestones

40. AEC implementation Status
40
Of 170 annual priorities for 2019 under the
AEC Blueprint 2025, 76 have been
implemented, while another 87 expected to
be implemented within the year and the
remaining 7 to be completed beyond 2019.

41. The Community Building Milestones
AEC Key Achievements
• Free flow of goods: The ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement
(ATIGA).
• Free flow of services: The ASEAN Framework Agreement
on Services (AFAS) and the Mutual Recognition
Arrangements.
• Free flow of investment: The ASEAN Comprehensive
Investment Agreement (ACIA) and the Protocol to Amend
the ACIA.
• Freer flow of capital: Implementation of measures to further
spur financial services liberalisation, capital market
development, and capital account liberalisation.
• Free flow of skilled labour: The ASEAN Agreement on the
Movement of Natural Persons and the ASEAN Qualification
Reference Framework (AQRF).

42. The Community Building Milestones
AEC Key Achievements
• For Pillar 2 (Competitive Economic Region), measures to
develop capacities and frameworks on competition policy
and law, consumer protection and IPR, and infrastructure
development measures to enhance the region’s
competitiveness and connectivity.
• To narrow the development gaps (Pillar 3), ASEAN Leaders
endorsed the ASEAN Framework on Equitable Economic
Development (EED) in November 2011.
• On‐going negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership (RCEP) and preparations for the
ASEAN‐Hong Kong Free Trade Area (AHKFTA)
negotiations.

43. ASEAN Free Trade Agreements
Entry into force Size of market Size of
economy ($)
Total trade ($)
ACFTA(China) 2005 1.98 B 11.3 T 351 B
AKFTA(ROK) 2007 0.67 B 3.59 T 135 B
AJCEP (Japan) 2008 0.75 B 7.41 T 241 B
AANZFTA
(Aus & Nzl)
2010 0.65 B 4.07 T 78 B
AIFTA(India) 2010 1.87 B 4.16 T 68 B
AHKFTA(HK) July 2014
(in process)
0.63 B 2.67 T 97 B
RCEP May 2013
(in process)
3.4 B 20.9 T 872 B

44. Key Challenges
• Development gap and income inequality remains large
• Many regional initiatives were not able to be
incorporated into national plans, as the less-developed
countries face resource constraints to implement the
regional commitments
• Different levels of legal framework development and
lack of institutional capacity in AMSs and limited
engagement with private sector hindered their effective
and timely implementation of regional commitments

45. Ongoing works of AEC
• Accelerate ratification process of signed
agreements / protocols
• Advance judiciously the alignment of regional
initiatives and domestic laws and regulations
• Provide adequate support and resources
implement country-specific and regional
measures
• Implementations to deepen economic integration
and provide conducive environment for business
activities to boost economic growth and region’s
development

46. • Engage and benefit the people
– Engaged stakeholders in ASEAN process
– Empower People and Strengthen Institutions
• Inclusive
– Reducing barriers
– Equitable access to all
– Promotion and protection of HRs
( Women, Children, youths, the elderly/older persons,
persons with disabilities, Migrant workers, ethnic minority
groups, vulnerable and marginalized groups)
• Sustainable (balanced social development and
sustainable environment)
– Management of biodiversity and natural resources
– Environmental sustainable cities
– Sustainable climate & consumption and Production
The ASCC Blueprint (2016-2025)
Overview

47. • Resilient
– Disaster resilient ASEAN
– Response to all health-related hazards
– Climate adaptive ASEAN
– Social protection for women, children, youths,
elderly/older persons, persons with disabilities,
ethnic minorities, migrant workers
– Financing system, food, water, energy availability
and other social safety nets in time of crisis
• Dynamic
– Innovative, creative, responsive, proactive
– Socially and environmentally responsible
entrepreneurship
The ASCC Blueprint (2016-2025)
Overview

48. The Community Building Milestones
ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY
Heightened Commitments
• Declaration on Non-communicable Diseases in
ASEAN
• Declaration on Elimination of Violence Against
Women and Elimination of Violence Against
Children in ASEAN
• Development of ASEAN instruments for the
protection and promotion of the rights of migrant
workers
• ASEAN Enabling Master Plan

49. The Community Building Milestones
ASEAN SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMUNITY
Quick, tangible action
Humanitarian assistance through the ASEAN
Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian
Assistance (AHA Centre)

50. ASCC Achievements as of 2019
• By the end of 2019, 954 activities have
contributed towards addressing the 109
strategic measures of the ASCC Blueprint
2025. This is an increase of a total of 25
activities since 2018.
• 51% of activities are ongoing, 13% completed
and 36 % to be implemented.

51. ASEAN Organs
Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR)
As stipulated in Article 12 of the ASEAN Charter, each ASEAN Member State
shall appoint a Permanent Representative to ASEAN with the rank of
Ambassador based in Jakarta.
The Permanent Representatives collectively constitute a Committee of
Permanent Representatives (CPR), which shall:
• support the work of the ASEAN Community Councils and ASEAN Sectoral
Ministerial Bodies;
• coordinate with ASEAN National Secretariats and other ASEAN Sectoral
Ministerial Bodies;
• liaise with the Secretary-General of ASEAN and the ASEAN Secretariat on
all subjects relevant to its work;
• facilitate ASEAN cooperation with external partners; and
• perform such other functions as may be determined by the ASEAN
Coordinating Council.

52. ASEAN Organs
ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human
Rights (AICHR)
Pursuant to Article 14 of the ASEAN Charter, the AICHR was officially
inaugurated at the 15th ASEAN Summit on 23 October 2009.
• 14 mandates and functions of AICHR
• 10 Representatives
• Line of Reporting: ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM)
• Chair of AICHR: the Representative of the Member State holding the
Chairmanship of ASEAN
• Two regular meetings (ASEAN Secretariat and AMS holding
Chairpersonship); with additional meetings when necessary
• Interface meetings with Foreign Ministers / AMM
• Consultation and consensus

53. ASEAN Organs
ASEAN Foundation
The ASEAN Foundation is a unique ASEAN organ established in 1997, and is a
separate organisation from the ASEAN Secretariat.
As mandated in Article 15 of the ASEAN Charter, the ASEAN Foundation is expected
to:
• Support the Secretary-General of ASEAN; and
• Collaborate with the relevant ASEAN bodies to support ASEAN community
building
The ASEAN Foundation objectives as reflected in the Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) on the establishment of the ASEAN Foundation are:
• The Foundation shall promote greater awareness of ASEAN, and greater
interaction among the peoples of ASEAN as well as their wider participation in
ASEAN's activities inter alia through human resources development that will
enable them to realize their full potential and capacity to contribute to progress of
ASEAN Member States as productive and responsible members of society.
• The Foundation shall also endeavor to contribute to the evolution of a
development cooperation strategy that promotes mutual assistance, equitable
economic development, and the alleviation of poverty.

54. ASEAN Secretariat
• Established on 24 February 1976 by the Foreign Ministers of
ASEAN
• Existing ASEAN Secretariat premises in Jakarta officiated in
1981
• Staff recruited locally and from the ASEAN Member States
• ASEC Vision: By 2015, ASEC will be the nerve centre of a
strong and confident ASEAN Community that is globally
respected for acting in full compliance with its Charter and in the
best interest of its people.
• ASEC Mission: ASEC’s Mission is to initiate, facilitate and
coordinate ASEAN stakeholder collaboration in realising the
purposes and principles of ASEAN as reflected in the ASEAN
Charter.
•New Building launched in 2019.

56. ASEAN Secretariat’s Basic Function
Provide for greater efficiency in the
coordination of ASEAN organs and for
more effective implementation of
ASEAN projects and activities.

57. Secretary-General of ASEAN
(2018-2022)
• H.E. Dato Lim Jock Hoi from Brunei
• Carry out duties and responsibilities in
accordance with the provisions of the
Charter and relevant ASEAN
instruments, protocols and established
practices
• Facilitate and monitor progress in the
implementation of ASEAN agreements
and decisions
• Participate in meetings of the ASEAN
Summit, ASEAN Community Council,
• ASEAN Coordinating Council, and
sectoral Ministerial bodies & act as AHC

58. Conclusion

59. The New ASEAN Secretariat opened in 2019
Jalan Sisingamangaraja 70 A
Jakarta 12110

60. Moving Forward
Agenda for 2020
 Inclusive and Responsive ASEAN
 2020 Mid-Term Review of the ASEAN
2025 Blue Prints
 IAI Work Plan IV
 MPAC 2025 implementation
 AICHR TOR Review
 8 Plan of Actions with Dialogue
Partners

61. ASEAN 2025 reaffirms commitment, continuation
and consolidation of ASEAN Community building.
This is a continuous and forward-looking process
to strengthen the ASEAN Community based on
the political-security, economic and socio-cultural
pillars to forge ahead together.
Through this process, ASEAN also demonstrates
to its partners and the world that it is determined
to maintain ASEAN's role in dealing with
challenges that affect the peace, security and
stability of Southeast Asia.
Moving Forward

62. Thank You