Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising ten countries in Southeast Asia. Along with the main body, there are several organizations and entities associated with ASEAN that work towards promoting cooperation, economic growth, and social progress in the region.
ASEAN Secretariat
The ASEAN Secretariat is the central administrative body of ASEAN, located in Jakarta, Indonesia. It is headed by the Secretary-General of ASEAN, who is appointed by the ASEAN Summit for a non-renewable term of five years. The Secretariat’s primary function is to provide coordination and support for ASEAN activities and to facilitate the implementation of ASEAN projects and programs.
ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) is a platform for dialogue and consultation on political and security issues in the Asia-Pacific region. Established in 1994, the ARF aims to foster constructive dialogue and consultation on political and security issues of common interest and concern. It comprises 27 members, including the 10 ASEAN member states, as well as countries such as the United States, China, Japan, and India.
ASEAN Plus Three (APT)
ASEAN Plus Three (APT) is a forum for cooperation between ASEAN and three East Asian nations: China, Japan, and South Korea. Established in 1997, the APT aims to strengthen and deepen East Asian cooperation at various levels and in various areas, particularly in economic and social development.
East Asia Summit (EAS)
The East Asia Summit (EAS) is a regional forum held annually by leaders of 18 countries in the East Asian, Southeast Asian, and South Asian regions. Established in 2005, the EAS serves as a platform for dialogue on broad strategic, political, and economic issues of common interest and concern with the aim of promoting peace, stability, and economic prosperity in East Asia.
ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)
The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) is a trade bloc agreement supporting local trade and manufacturing in all ASEAN countries, and facilitating economic integration with regional and international allies. It was established in 1992 with the aim of eliminating tariffs and non-tariff barriers among ASEAN members to promote economic growth and attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to the region.
ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)
The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is an initiative to integrate the economies of ASEAN member states into a single market and production base. Established in 2015, the AEC aims to create a highly competitive economic region with a free flow of goods, services, investments, and skilled labor, and a freer flow of capital. The AEC Blueprint 2025 outlines the strategic measures to be implemented to achieve the vision of an integrated, competitive, and resilient ASEAN economy.
ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC)
The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) is one of the three pillars of the ASEAN Community, alongside the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) and the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). The ASCC aims to contribute to realizing an ASEAN Community that is people-oriented and socially responsible, with a view to achieving enduring solidarity and unity among the peoples and member states of ASEAN.
ASEAN Foundation
The ASEAN Foundation is an organization from and for the people of ASEAN. It was established in 1997 to support ASEAN’s efforts in community-building and promoting greater awareness of ASEAN’s vision and mission. The Foundation works to promote collaboration among the peoples of ASEAN, strengthen the ASEAN identity, and develop human resources in the region.
