#asean2015

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established in 1967 to promote political and economic cooperation and regional stability. In 2003 the ASEAN Member-states agreed to integrate their economies and establish a common market, and in 2007, it adopted the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint. The AEC Blueprint provides a roadmap and targets to be achieved for the establishment of the AEC by 2015 with the following agenda in mind:  1) create a single market and production base, 2) increase competitiveness, 3) promote equitable economic development, and 4) further integrate ASEAN with the global economy.

One of the main objectives of AEC is to create a single market and production base by ensuring a free flow of goods, services, investment, capital and skilled labor. Under the AEC Blueprint, The ASEAN Integration Strategic Framework and Work Plan (2009-15), the 10 Southeast countries are set to streamline transportation and communication infrastructures, educational system, security, and increase cooperation in environmental issues and disaster management among others. It is also expected to boost investments, job creation, and incomes in the region and will allow citizens of member-states to join in the free flow of capital, labor, services, goods and foreign investments. Through this scheme, ASEAN economy has the potential to be one of the largest economies and markets in the world, the reason why the member-states are intensifying efforts to realize and jumpstart this plan before 2015 ends.

The Philippines is one of the signatories in the AEC Blueprint, which means the country along with other ASEAN Members States (AMS), should be open to zero import duties for ASEAN products and services by 2015. This means less tax in traded goods, more streamlined customs policies and more flexible employment opportunities for those in the region.