Question -
Answer -
ASEAN broadened its objectives beyond the economic and social spheres. In 2003, ASEAN moved along the path of the EU by agreeing to establish an ASEAN Community comprising three pillars namely:
- The ASEAN Security Community,
- The ASEAN Economic Community
- The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community
Its objectives were:
- The objectives of the ASEAN security community was based on the conviction that outstanding territorial disputes should not escalate into armed confrontation.
- The objectives of the ASEAN Economic Community are to create a common market and production base within ASEAN states and to aid social and economic development in the region.
- To accelerate economic growth through social progress and cultural development.
- To promote regional peace and stability based on the rule of law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
- To establish dispute settlement mechanism to resolve economic disputes.
- ASEAN has focused on creating a Free Trade Areas for investments (FTI), labour and services,