ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the relationship between the growth of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the changing international relations in Asia; ASEAN's economic relations with advanced Pacific countries; and ASEAN's economy in the context of the changing world economy. The ASEAN economy, except for Singapore, depends on the export of primary commodities, and ASEAN is strongly interested in commodity agreements and in the common fund scheme, both of which were recommended at the fourth United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in Nairobi. The development of the Sino-Japanese relationship is increasing concern in some ASEAN countries about Japan's overcommitment to China and about Sino-Japanese economic and political dominance in Asia. During the 1960s and 1970s, when Japan was enjoying high economic growth, its trade with and investment in Southeast Asia increased significantly, and its economic presence in ASEAN countries in particular increased rapidly.
