What is ASEAN?

• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is an alliance promoting economic and political cooperation by fostering dialogue among its 10 members.

• It aims to promote collaboration and cooperation among member states

• it also aims to advance the interests of the region as a whole, including economic and trade growth.

• The ASEAN has negotiated a free trade agreement among member states & other countries

• Eased travel in the region for citizens of member countries

• It also promotes peace and stability in the region.

What is ASEAN Integration?

• The blueprint for realizing an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015 was adopted and signed by ASEAN Leaders last November 2007.

• The blueprint provides roadmap & targets to be achieved for establishment of AEC by 2015.

What are the objectives of AEC?

• To have a single market and production base.• For the region to be highly competitive.• For the equitable economic development of the

region.• A region fully integrated into the global

economy.

AEC & Philippines

• Our country is one of the signatories in the AEC blueprint

• We should be open to zero import duties for ASEAN products

• ASEAN Member States nationals should be able to work anywhere in the region.

Advantages of AEC

• The Philippines' economic growth might accelerate due to higher demand for local products in the Asean market.

• Increased labor mobility in the ASEAN market may provide more job opportunities for Filipinos.

• Business firms might be attracted to invest in our country

Advantages of AEC

• Greater ASEAN integration will result in easy adaptation of cutting edge technology & best business practices.

Local Issues and Corresponding Solutions

• Having the highest marginal personal income tax rates & one of the highest corporate income tax rate in the region.

• Solution: the gov't has to make the tax system in sync with the rest of the region.

Local issues & solutions

• Poor infrastracture• Solution: the gov't has to find ways of reducing

the cost of power & making power supply reliable.

• Incompetent labor force against global work force

• Solution: The gov't has to continue to invest in human capital.

Local issues and Solutions

• Our sector is not yet ready for the integration. Some agricultural industries cannot compete with other member countries.

• Solution: Cost of production should be reduced and irrigation system should be improved.

Other Issues

• Varying levels of economic growth for member nations

• Varying impact of measures and initiatives on member economies

• Territorial disputes• Unresolved cultural differences• Westernization• Lack of ASEAN identity

Lachica, JustineMacalindol, VivienMarasigan, KathrinaZamora, Patrica