MESSAGE FROM SECRETARY-GENERAL OF ASEAN, H.E. ONG KENG YONG

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) represents the ten countries of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. We are a diverse grouping with multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-linguistic and multi-religious characteristics and different economic and political systems. Our geography and history are as varied as our respective societies. Yet, the ten countries are able to come and work together. The ASEAN momentum is the driver of this cohesiveness and common endeavor.

The ASEAN momentum, in turn, is strongly motivated by the regional and global competition. The peace and prosperity of Southeast Asia is dependent on trade and investment and ASEAN's relevance in international affairs. ASEAN Leaders know that the pulls of vast markets and opportunities elsewhere would diminish the ASEAN position in the world FDI and trade rankings. Individually, the Southeast Asian nations cannot compete in the global economy over a sustained period. But as a collective, with more than 500 million people and the burgeoning middle-class consumer base, ASEAN can be competitive. ASEAN's strategic location between the major nations and economic engines of Asia should be leveraged upon more effectively. Indeed, many corporate bodies operate out of ASEAN to transact business in the whole of the Asia-Pacific.

Hence, ASEAN Member Countries embarked on their community-building efforts with gusto. The aim is to establish a dynamic and viable ASEAN Community by 2020 resting on the three pillars of ASEAN Security Community (political and security cooperation), ASEAN Economic Community (economic integration) and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (social and cultural advancement). For the business sector, it is witnessing more and more initiatives towards a single market and regional production base. ASEAN is also busy pursuing free trade agreements and closer economic cooperation with its major trading partners. While the coherence and policy harmonization are not fully in place, the effect is being felt. More importantly, the political commitment is concrete. ASEAN's economic integration will offer huge potential and plenty of opportunities for those who develop the openings substantively.

ASEAN Leaders see a continuing strategic role for ASEAN in the political and security landscape of East Asia. ASEAN's unique engagement of its bigger neighbors through the ASEAN Dialogue Partnership, ASEAN Plus Three and ASEAN Plus One processes have advanced mutual confidence and trust and region-wide cooperation in several sectors. The ASEAN Leaders see a strong political relationship among the regional countries as a critical factor for economic integration, peace and stability. ASEAN and ASEAN Plus meetings at leadership, ministerial and official levels have enabled better cooperation and interaction which contribute to steady progress in negotiations on a variety of agreements in free trade and cooperation in specific fields.

A peaceful, secure and economically competitive ASEAN is not enough. There must be a caring society where cultural and social concerns are well attended to. In this vein, ASEAN Leaders have emphasized the need to reach out to the people. There is engagement of the private sector and civil society and they can provide inputs for policy choices. The social impact of ASEAN economic integration would have to be managed. The development of ASEAN Member Countries would be carried out in a manner conducive to strengthening national and regional cohesion. Self-reliance, shared responsibility and ownership are the principles underlying implementation of ASEAN's people-oriented projects.

Looking forward, the ASEAN momentum will carry Southeast Asian nations to another level of accomplishments and prepare them for the changed world of high technology and knowledge-based economies. More initiatives are being pursued to put in place infrastructure and education to facilitate deeper economic integration and community-building. It is an exciting time to be in ASEAN. Come and join us in the action.