In an effort to promote economic, social, and cultural cooperation among Southeast Asian nations, an association was formed in 1967. The ASEAN currently consists of the following ten nations: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. This association is aimed at promoting peace and stability for the region, as well as creating an opportunity for economic prosperity.
In 1992, a free trade agreement was established. The goal of AFTA (ASEAN free trade agreement) was to eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers to trade within the Southeast Asia region. The agreement also aims at making the region attractive to foreign investors. Overall, the agreement has been positive for this region. The region has become more competitive in the world market, while attracting more investors.
The region has experienced other changes as a result of AFTA. ASEAN formed a committee, the Socio-Cultural Community, with the primary goal of establishing a community of solidarity. Below is an excerpt from the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community website.
In contrast to NAFTA, the countries of the ASEAN have committed to creating a regional identity while constantly promoting what is called the ASEAN Way. The video below plays the ASEAN anthem, “The ASEAN Way.”
The ASEAN Way promotes a unified culture by creating ways that the countries will work together. The graphic organizer below illustrates a few examples of how the association has created committees that address important issues of the member states.
Click on each to learn more.
These are just a few committees and the issues the ASEAN addresses. The goals of ASEAN are optimistic, but at times, conflict arises. Traditional disputes, such as border disputes and deep-seated tensions between countries, have made working within AFTA difficult at times.
For example, the countries of Singapore and Malaysia have had an ongoing border dispute, making trade difficult. However, the cooperative nature of ASEAN and the benefits of the trade agreement have helped to ease tensions.
Click on the map below to locate the area of ASEAN.
The ASEAN is an organization that not only works to promote economic prosperity through trade agreements such as AFTA, but also that has created committees that focus on promoting a unified ASEAN culture.
The ASEAN Motto is “One Vision, One Identity, One Community.” Think about what you have learned about ASEAN, AFTA, and the ASEAN Way and answer the following questions in your notes.
Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.
The motto encourages all members of ASEAN to work toward a common goal and create an identity that includes all members.
Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.
The primary goals of AFTA are to eliminate tariffs and other barriers to trade among the ASEAN member states. The elimination of these barriers shows that the ASEAN is committed to member states working toward economic prosperity for all. This is an example of the ASEAN having one vision.
Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.
The ASEAN created several communities under its Socio-Cultural Community that address ways to promote the cultural heritage of all member states and enrich the lives of all people within the member states.
Now that you have learned about NAFTA and AFTA, read the statements below and determine whether they identfy NAFTA or AFTA. Drag each statement to the correct column.
Global trade has always been a part of our world, starting with the trade along the Silk Road. Over time, trade agreements have been implemented. Trade agreements are typically made to eliminate barriers to trade and provide all trading partners an opportunity for free trade. Trade agreements may also impact the trading partners in other ways.
Cultural changes can occur as a result of different countries working together. The cultural changes of NAFTA occurred mainly through the migration of Mexican citizens moving to the United States and Canada; traits of Mexican culture, such as food and customs, can be found in areas of the United States and Canada where this migration took place.
Cultural changes under AFTA are a bit different. The ASEAN focused on building a culture based on the unity of all of its member nations.
Sources for the image and video used in this section, as they appear top to bottom: