ABSTRACT
The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established in 1967, with one of its purposes being the acceleration of economic growth in the region. As outlined in the ASEAN Vision 2020 charter, 1 which was agreed to by ASEAN member countries in 1997, the end-goal of this purpose is the creation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). The AEC will establish ASEAN as a single market and production base where there is a free flow of goods, services and investment and a freer flow of capital, equitable economic development, and reduced poverty and socio-economic disparities in the year 2020. Fundamental to the creation of the AEC is the integration of ASEAN and enhancement of ASEAN’s economic competitiveness.
