Businesses, public yet to buy into Asean integration

In a statement on the key outcomes of the 10th AEC Council (AECC) meeting, the 45th Asean Economic Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings, the Asean said that getting business and the public to support the initiative was among the key challenges faced as the regional grouping headed towards economic unity.

The meetings were held from August 18 to 21 in Bandar Seri Begawan.

“The 45th AEM and 10th AECC recognised that more effort is needed to clearly communicate how the AEC works in order to reassure Asean citizens and secure greater buy-in from them,” the statement said.

It added that it is particularly important to address concerns and misconceptions of Asean citizens by clearing up misunderstandings on some AEC initiatives, as well as explaining and highlighting the benefits that AEC 2015 has brought to the region.

Asean also noted that it is crucial to prepare business communities and the public for the changes and challenges that come with any significant policy reforms, acknowledging the continuing issues that member states still need to address beyond 2015, and to continue to promote public and private sector partnerships in support of AEC. 

According to the statement, Asean has implemented 79.7 per cent of the AEC Blueprint as of August 15, 2013, an improvement from the 72 per cent achieved at the 45th Asean Economic Ministers’ Meeting in Siem Reap last year.