ASEAN pledges economic intergration to fight protectionism

BANGKOK, March 2 (TNA) - All 10 member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will work more closely with one another against trade protectionism, both at the regional and global levels, to counter the impact of the ongoing world economic crisis, ASEAN secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan said on Monday.

"This is the first time in ASEAN's history that they have tried to adopt a common front on this particular subject. We must put up a united and brave front and that is what they did," said Mr. Surin.

Speaking at a post-summit briefing in Bangkok after the conclusion of the three-day summit in Hua Hin on Sunday, Mr. Surin said government leaders of the 10 ASEAN member countries acknowledged that the global economic crisis could impact the bloc on employment and exports.

The leaders, he said, pledged economic integration so that ASEAN could fight against trade protectionism practices.

On politics and security issues, the government leaders called for diplomatic negotiations to prevent disputes which might erupt in the future, Mr. Surin said.

Not only border conflicts but also human security concerns such as epidemics, environmental problems, narcotics and human trafficking will be covered under security issue, he said.

Military cooperation among ASEAN will also be extended in the case any member faces natural disaster, said Mr. Surin.

Also, ASEAN leaders discussed in earnest how to move the bloc’s members closer to their peoples by allowing civil society, youth and the private business sector to participate in activities, he added.

ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. (TNA)