ASEAN – Association of Southeast Asian Nations and its Role in Regional Cooperation

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional organization that promotes cooperation and integration among countries in Southeast Asia. ASEAN was founded in 1967 and its member countries include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

ASEAN works to promote economic development and cooperation, political and security cooperation, and cultural exchange among its member countries. The organization also seeks to address common challenges facing the region, such as poverty, natural disasters, and transnational crimes.

It operates through a number of mechanisms, including meetings of heads of state and government, meetings of senior officials, and technical working groups. The organization has a Secretariat located in Jakarta, Indonesia, which coordinates its activities.

ASEAN has played a significant role in promoting cooperation and integration in Southeast Asia and has helped to foster economic and political stability in the region.

The top five trading partners of ASEAN in 2020 were:

  1. China: ASEAN’s largest trading partner, with total trade valued at over $539 billion in 2020.
  2. European Union (EU): ASEAN’s second-largest trading partner, with total trade valued at over €226 billion in 2020.
  3. United States: ASEAN’s third-largest trading partner, with total trade valued at over $217 billion in 2020.
  4. Japan: ASEAN’s fourth-largest trading partner, with total trade valued at over $129 billion in 2020.
  5. Republic of Korea: ASEAN’s fifth-largest trading partner, with total trade valued at over $80 billion in 2020.

ASEAN and India

ASEAN and India have a strong and growing relationship, both in terms of economic cooperation and political engagement.

India is a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN, which means that it engages with the organization in specific sectors such as trade, investment, and economic cooperation. India is also a member of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement, which came into effect in 2010 and aims to increase trade and investment between the two sides.

In terms of economic cooperation, ASEAN and India have a significant trade relationship, with India being one of ASEAN’s top trading partners. In 2020, India’s total trade with ASEAN was valued at over $79 billion. India’s main exports to ASEAN include mineral fuels, machinery and transport equipment, and pearls, while its main imports from ASEAN include electronic equipment, machinery and transport equipment, and textiles.

In addition to economic cooperation, ASEAN and India also have a strong political relationship, with both sides engaging in regular dialogues on regional and international issues. India is an active participant in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), which is a platform for the discussion of regional security issues.

ASEAN and India have a strong and diverse relationship, with both sides working to strengthen economic ties and enhance political engagement.

Chinese influence among ASEAN member states

China’s economic power and influence in the region: China is the largest trading partner of ASEAN and has significant economic ties with the organization’s member countries. Many ASEAN countries rely on China as a major market for their exports and have benefited from increased trade and investment with China.

China’s strategic position in the region: China is located in close proximity to ASEAN countries and has a significant presence in the region. This proximity and presence may make China an attractive partner for ASEAN countries, particularly in terms of economic and security cooperation.

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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Kootneeti Team

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This report has been written by The Kootneeti Team. For any feedbacks/query reach Editor@thekootneeti.com || Twitter: @TheKootneeti

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