ASEAN Economic Community

The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) shall be the goal of regional economic
integration by 2015. AEC enisages the follo!ing "ey characteristics# (a) a single mar"et
an$ %ro$uction base& (b) a highly com%etitie economic region& (c) a region of e'uitable
economic $eelo%ment& an$ ($) a region fully integrate$ into the global economy.
The AEC areas of coo%eration inclu$e human resources $eelo%ment an$ ca%acity
buil$ing( recognition of %rofessional 'ualifications( closer consultation on
macroeconomic an$ financial %olicies( tra$e financing measures( enhance$ infrastructure
an$ communications connectiity( $eelo%ment of electronic transactions through e)
ASEAN( integrating in$ustries across the region to %romote regional sourcing( an$
enhancing %riate sector inolement for the buil$ing of the AEC. *n short& the AEC !ill
transform ASEAN into a region !ith free moement of goo$s& serices& inestment&
s"ille$ labour& an$ freer flo! of ca%ital.
ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint
The ASEAN +ea$ers a$o%te$ the ASEAN Economic ,lue%rint at the 1-th ASEAN
Summit on 20 Noember 200. in Singa%ore to sere as a coherent master %lan gui$ing
the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community 2015.
DECLARATION ON THE
ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY BLUEPRINT
WE, the Heads of State/Government of Brunei Darussalam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the
Republic
of Indonesia, the ao !eople"s Democratic Republic, #ala$sia, the %nion of #$anmar, the
Republic
of the !hilippines, the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of &hailand and the Socialist
Republic of
'iet (am, #ember Countries of )S*)(, on the occasion of the +,th )nniversar$ of )S*)( and
the
-.th )S*)( Summit in Singapore/
R*C)I(G our earlier decision to estalis! " #$#$ t!e ASEAN Co%%unit"& includin'
t!e
ASEAN Econo%ic Co%%unit" (AEC)& %ade in t!e Declaration o* ASEAN Concord II in
Bali&
Indonesia& on + Octoer #$$,-
DETERMINED to achieve higher levels of economic d$namism, sustained prosperit$, inclusive
gro0th and integrated development of )S*)(/
CONSCIOUS of the increasing interdependence of the )S*)( economies 0ithin the region as
0ell
as 0ith the rest of the 0orld and stressing the importance of narro0ing the development gap
for
accelerating the )S*)( *conomic Communit$ b$ 1,-2;
RECO.NISIN. that different levels of development 0ithin )S*)( re3uire some fle4ibilit$ as
)S*)(
moves to0ards a more integrated and interdependent future/
REA//IRMIN. our collective commitment, made at the -1th )S*)( Summit in Cebu, the
!hilippines,
on -. 5anuar$ 1,,6, to accelerate the establishment of the )S*)( Communit$, including its
)*C
pillar, to 1,-2/
CO.NISANT of the need to have a strengthened institutional frame0or7 and a unified legal
identit$ as set forth in the )S*)( Charter b$ putting in place rules8based s$stems to realise
the
establishment of the )*C b$ 1,-2/
E0PRESSIN. satisfaction at the overall progress made and commitment sho0n b$ )S*)( in
developing the )*C Blueprint and to ensure its timel$ implementation/
REA//IRMIN. the )S*)( *conomic #inisters 9)*#: as the coordinator of all )S*)( economic
integration and cooperation issues/
DO HEREBY1
-; ADOPT the )*C Blueprint 0hich each )S*)( #ember Countr$ shall abide b$ and implement
the )*C b$ 1,-2; &he )*C Blueprint 0ill transform )S*)( into a single mar7et and production
base, a highl$ competitive economic region, a region of e3uitable economic development, and
a
region full$ integrated into the global econom$; &he )*C Blueprint including its strategic
schedule
is anne4ed to this Declaration;
1; TAS2 concerned #inisters, assisted b$ the )S*)( Secretariat, to implement the )*C
Blueprint
and to report to us regularl$, through the Council of the )S*)( *conomic Communit$, on the
progress of its implementation;
ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY BLUEPRINT
I3 INTRODUCTION
-; &he )S*)( eaders at their Summit in Kuala umpur in December -<<6 decided to
transform )S*)( into a stable, prosperous, and highl$ competitive region 0ith e3uitable
economic
development, and reduced povert$ and socio8economic disparities 9)S*)( 'ision 1,1,:;
1; )t the Bali Summit in =ctober 1,,., )S*)( eaders declared that the )S*)( *conomic
Communit$ 9)*C: shall be the goal of regional economic integration 9Bali Concord II: b$ 1,1,;
In
addition to the )*C, the )S*)( Securit$ Communit$ and the )S*)( Socio8Cultural Communit$
are
the other t0o integral pillars of the envisaged )S*)( Communit$; )ll the three pillars are
e4pected
to 0or7 in tandem in establishing the )S*)( Communit$ in 1,1,;
.; Subse3uentl$, the )S*)( *conomic #inisters #eeting 9)*#: held in )ugust 1,,> in Kuala
umpur, #ala$sia, agreed to develop ?a single and coherent blueprint for advancing the )*C
b$
identif$ing the characteristics and elements of the )*C b$ 1,-2 consistent 0ith the Bali
Concord
II 0ith clear targets and timelines for implementation of various measures as 0ell as pre8
agreed
fle4ibilities to accommodate the interests of all )S*)( #ember Countries;@
+; )t the -1th )S*)( Summit in 5anuar$ 1,,6, the eaders affirmed their strong commitment
to accelerate the establishment of an )S*)( Communit$ b$ 1,-2 as envisioned in the )S*)(
'ision 1,1, and the )S*)( Concord II, and signed the Cebu Declaration on the )cceleration of
the *stablishment of an )S*)( Communit$ b$ 1,-2; In particular, the eaders agreed to
hasten the
establishment of the )S*)( *conomic Communit$ b$ 1,-2 and to transform )S*)( into a
region
0ith free movement of goods, services, investment, s7illed labour, and freer flo0 of capital;
II3 CHARACTERISTICS AND ELEMENTS O/ AEC
2; &he )*C is the realisation of the end goal of economic integration as espoused in the
'ision 1,1,, 0hich is based on a convergence of interests of )S*)( #ember Countries to
deepen
and broaden economic integration through e4isting and ne0 initiatives 0ith clear timelines; In
establishing the )*C, )S*)( shall act in accordance to the principles of an open, out0ard8
loo7ing,
inclusive, and mar7et8driven econom$ consistent 0ith multilateral rules as 0ell as adherence
to
rules8based s$stems for effective compliance and implementation of economic commitments;
>; &he )*C 0ill establish )S*)( as a single mar7et and production base ma7ing )S*)( more
d$namic and competitive 0ith ne0 mechanisms and measures to strengthen the
implementation of
its e4isting economic initiatives/ accelerating regional integration in the priorit$ sectors/
facilitating
movement of business persons, s7illed labour and talents/ and strengthening the institutional
mechanisms of )S*)(; )s a first step to0ards realising the )S*)( *conomic Communit$,
)S*)(
has been implementing the recommendations of the High evel &as7 Aorce 9H&A: on )S*)(
*conomic Integration contained in the Bali Concord II;
6; )t the same time, the )*C 0ill address the development divide and accelerate integration of
Cambodia, ao !DR, #$anmar and 'iet (am 9C#': through the Initiative for )S*)(
Integration
>
and other regional initiatives; =ther areas of cooperation are also to be incorporated such as
human resources development and capacit$ building/ recognition of professional 3ualifications/
closer consultation on macroeconomic and financial policies/ trade financing measures/
enhanced
infrastructure and communications connectivit$/ development of electronic transactions
through
e8)S*)(/ integrating industries across the region to promote regional sourcing/ and enhancing
private sector involvement for the building of the )*C;
B; Based on the above and ta7ing into consideration the importance of e4ternal trade to
)S*)( and the need for the )S*)( Communit$ as a 0hole to remain out0ard loo7ing, the )*C
envisages the follo0ing 7e$ characteristicsC 9a: a single mar7et and production base, 9b: a
highl$
competitive economic region, 9c: a region of e3uitable economic development, and 9d: a
region
full$ integrated into the global econom$; &hese characteristics are inter8related and mutuall$
reinforcing; Incorporating the re3uired elements of each characteristic in one Blueprint shall
ensure
the consistenc$ and coherence of these elements as 0ell as their implementation and proper
coordination among relevant sta7eholders;
A3 Sin'le Mar4et and Production Base
<; )n )S*)( single mar7et and production base shall comprise five core elementsC 9i: free
flo0 of goods/ 9ii: free flo0 of services/ 9iii: free flo0 of investment/ 9iv: freer flo0 of capital/
and
9v: free flo0 of s7illed labour; In addition, the single mar7et and production base also include
t0o
important components, namel$, the priorit$ integration sectors, and food, agriculture and
forestr$;
A53 /ree *lo6 o* 'oods
-,; Aree flo0 of goods is one of the principal means b$ 0hich the aims of a single mar7et and
production base can be achieved; ) single mar7et for goods 9and services: 0ill also facilitate
the
development of production net0or7s in the region and enhance )S*)("s capacit$ to serve as a
global production centre or as a part of the global suppl$ chain;
--; &hrough )S*)( Aree &rade )rea 9)A&):, )S*)( has achieved significant progress in the
removal of tariffs; Ho0ever, free flo0 of goods 0ould re3uire not onl$ Dero tariffs but the
removal
of non8tariff barriers as 0ell; In addition, another maEor component that 0ould facilitate free
flo0
of goods is trade facilitation measures such as integrating customs procedures, establishing
the
)S*)( Single Findo0, continuousl$ enhancing the Common *ffective !referential &ariffs
9C*!&:
Rules of =rigin including its =perational Certification !rocedures, and harmonising standards
and
conformance procedures;
-1; &he Common *ffective !referential &ariffs for )S*)( Aree &rade )rea 9C*!&8)A&):
)greement
0ill be revie0ed and enhanced to become a comprehensive agreement in realising free flo0 of
goods and applicable to )S*)( needs for accelerated economic integration to0ards 1,-2;
-.; *limination of &ariffs; &ariffs on all intra8)S*)( goods 0ill be eliminated in accordance
0ith the schedules and commitments set out in the C*!&8)A&) )greement and other relevant
)greements/!rotocols;
6
)ctionsC
i; *liminate import duties on all products, e4cept for those phased in from the Sensitive
and Highl$ Sensitive ists b$ 1,-, for )S*)(8> and b$ 1,-2, 0ith fle4ibilities for some
sensitive products b$ 1,-B, for C#' in accordance 0ith the provisions of the !rotocol
to )mend the C*!& )greement for the *limination of Import Duties/
ii; *liminate import duties on products in the !riorit$ Integration Sectors b$ 1,,6 for
)S*)(8> and 1,-1 for C#' in accordance 0ith the provisions of the )S*)( Arame0or7
9)mendment: )greement for the Integration of !riorit$ Sectors/
iii; Complete the phasing in of the remaining products in the Sensitive ist 9S: into the
C*!& Scheme and reduce tariffs on these products to ,82G b$ - 5anuar$ 1,-, for
)S*)(8>, - 5anuar$ 1,-. for 'iet (am, - 5anuar$ 1,-2 for ao !DR and #$anmar, and
b$ - 5anuar$ 1,-6 for Cambodia, in accordance 0ith the provisions of the !rotocol on
Special )rrangements for Sensitive and Highl$ Sensitive !roducts/ and
iv; !hase in products, 0hich are in the General *4ceptions ist, in conformit$ 0ith the C*!&
)greement;
-+; *limination of (on8&ariff Barriers; )S*)( has achieved significant progress in tariff
liberalisation; &he main focus of )S*)( to0ards 1,-2 0ill be placed on the full elimination of
nontariff
barriers 9(&Bs:;
)ctionsC
i; *nhance transparenc$ b$ abiding to the !rotocol on (otification !rocedure and setting
up an effective Surveillance #echanism/
ii; )bide b$ the commitment of a standstill and roll8bac7 on (&Bs/
iii; Remove all (&Bs b$ 1,-, for )S*)(82, b$ 1,-1 for the !hilippines, and b$ 1,-2 0ith
fle4ibilities to 1,-B for C#', in accordance 0ith the agreed For7 !rogramme on (on8
&ariff Barriers 9(&Bs: elimination/
iv; *nhance transparenc$ of (on8&ariff #easures 9(&#s:/ and
v; For7 to0ards 0here possible having regional rules and regulations consistent 0ith
International best practices;
-2; Rules of =rigin 9R==:C !utting in place R== 0hich are responsive to the d$namic changes
in global production processes so as toC facilitate trade and investment among )S*)( #ember
Countries/ promote a regional production net0or7/ encourage development of S#*s and the
narro0ing of development gaps/ and promote the increased usage of the )A&) C*!& Scheme;
)ctionsC
i; Continuousl$ reform and enhance the C*!& R== to respond to changes in regional
production processes, including ma7ing necessar$ adEustments such as the introduction
of advance rulings and improvements to the R==/
B
ii; Simplif$ the =perational Certification !rocedures for the C*!& R== and ensure its
continuous enhancement, including the introduction of facilitative processes such as
the electronic processing of certificates of origin, and harmonisation or alignment of
national procedures to the e4tent possible/ and
iii; Revie0 all the R== implemented b$ )S*)( #ember Countries, individuall$ and
collectivel$, and e4plore possible cumulation mechanisms, 0here possible;
->; &rade facilitation; Simple, harmonised and standardised trade and customs, processes,
procedures and related information flo0s are e4pected to reduce transaction costs in )S*)(
0hich
0ill enhance e4port competitiveness and facilitate the integration of )S*)( into a single
mar7et for
goods, services and investments and a single production base;
)ctionsC
i; )ssess trade facilitation conditions in )S*)(/
ii; Develop and implement a comprehensive trade facilitation 0or7 programme 0hich aims
at simplif$ing, harmonising and standardising trade and customs, processes, procedures
and related information flo0s/
iii; !romote transparenc$ and visibilit$ of all actions and interventions b$ all sta7eholders
0ithin international trade transactions/
iv; *stablish a regional trade facilitation cooperation mechanism/
v; *stablish )S*)( &rade Aacilitation Repositor$/
vi; Develop national level measures to support and ensure effective implementation of
regional level initiatives/ and
vii; Develop a comprehensive capacit$ building programmes to ensure smooth
implementation of the 0or7 programme;
-6; Customs Integration; In light of the acceleration of )*C, the realisation of )S*)( Customs
'ision 1,1, is brought for0ard to 1,-2; In particular, the 1,,281,-, Strategic !lan of Customs
Development aims toC 9a: integrate customs structures/ 9b: modernise tariff classification,
customs
valuation and origin determination and establish )S*)( e8Customs/ 9c: smoothen customs
clearance/ 9d: strengthen human resources development/ 9e: promote partnership 0ith
relevant
international organisations/ 9f: narro0 the development gaps in customs/ and 9g: adopt ris7
management techni3ues and audit8based control 9!C): for trade facilitation;
)ctionsC
i; #odernise customs techni3ues, guided b$ simple and harmonised customs procedures
and formalities in line 0ith international standards and best practices through the
implementation of regional models of processing of cargoes and shipments 9)S*)(
Cargo Clearance and )S*)( Customs Declaration Document in 1,,6:/
ii; *stablish )S*)( Customs &ransit s$stem to facilitate movement of goods and means of
transport/
<
iii; *stablish )S*)( Customs s$stems dealing 0ith special customs regimes such as
&emporar$ )dmission, =ut0ard !rocessing and In0ard !rocessing 0ith the vie0 to
facilitate integration of production and suppl$ chains/
iv; )dopt international standards and practices to secure a uniform s$stem of tariff
classification, a s$nchronised s$stem of value assessment for customs purposes and a
harmonised s$stem of origin determination, and information e4change 0here possible/
v; Implement )S*)( e8Customs/ and
vi; !romote mutual assistance for better customs efficienc$ and effectiveness;
-B; )S*)( Single Findo0; &he implementation of measures of simplif$ing, harmonising and
standardising trade and customs, processes, procedures and the application of IC& in all areas
related
to trade facilitation 0ould be paramount in the ultimate creation of an )S*)( Single Findo0;
&he
)S*)( Single Findo0 is an environment 0here ten (ational Single Findo0s of individual
#ember
Countries operate and integrate; (ational Single Findo0 enables a single submission of data
and
information, a single and s$nchronous processing of data and information and a single
decisionma7ing
for customs clearance of cargo, 0hich e4pedites the customs clearance, reduce transaction
time and costs, and thus enhance trade efficienc$ and competitiveness;
)ctionsC
i; )S*)(8> 9Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, #ala$sia, !hilippines, Singapore and &hailand:
shall operationalise their (ational Single Findo0s b$ 1,,B at the latest/
ii; )S*)(8+ 9Cambodia, ao !DR, #$anmar and 'iet (am: shall operationalise their
(ational Single Findo0s no later than 1,-1/ and
iii; Standardisation of data elements based on FC= data model, the FC= data set and
%nited (ation &rade Data *lements Director$ 9%(&D*D: and acceleration of introduction
of information, communication and technolog$ 9IC&: for digitalised processing and
e4change;
-<; Standards and &echnical Barriers to &rade; S$stems of standards, 3ualit$ assurance,
accreditation, and measurement are crucial to promote greater efficienc$ and enhance cost
effectiveness of production of intra8regional imports/e4ports; Standards, technical regulations
and
conformit$ assessment procedures 0ill be harmonised through the implementation of the
)S*)(
!olic$ Guideline on Standards and Conformance, 0ith greater transparenc$, improved 3ualit$
of
conformit$ assessment and active participation of the private sector;
)ctionsC
i; Harmonise standards, technical regulations and conformit$ assessment procedures
through their alignment 0ith international practices, 0here applicable/ -
ii; Develop and implement sectoral #utual Recognition )rrangements 9#R)s: on
Conformit$ )ssessment for specific sectors identified in the )S*)( Arame0or7
)greement on #utual Recognition )rrangements 9also see footnote -:/
- Identification of standards, technical regulations and conformit$ assessment procedures to be
harmonised or
for sectoral #R)s to be developed, must ta7e into consideration the impact on )S*)( trade, the
comple4it$
of the regulator$ s$stem, the technical infrastructure as 0ell as the feedbac7 from sta7eholders;
-,
iii; *nhance technical infrastructure and competenc$ in laborator$ testing, calibration,
inspection, certification and accreditation based on regionall$/internationall$ accepted
procedures and guides/
iv; !romote transparenc$ in the development and application of standards, technical
regulations and conformit$ assessment procedures in line 0ith the re3uirements of
the Forld &rade =rganisation 9F&=: )greement on &echnical Barriers to &rade and the
)S*)( !olic$ Guideline on Standards and Conformance/
v; Strengthen post mar7et surveillance s$stems to ensure the successful implementation of
the harmonised technical regulations/ and
vi; Develop capacit$ building programmes to ensure smooth implementation of the 0or7
programme;
A#3 /ree *lo6 o* ser7ices
1,; Aree flo0 of trade in services is one of the important elements in realising )S*)( *conomic
Communit$, 0here there 0ill be substantiall$ no restriction to )S*)( services suppliers in
providing
services and in establishing companies across national borders 0ithin the region, subEect to
domestic regulations; iberalisation of services has been carried out through rounds of
negotiation
mainl$ under the Coordinating Committee on Services; (egotiation of some specific services
sectors
such as financial services and air transport are carried out b$ their respective #inisterial
bodies; In
liberalising services, there should be no bac78loading of commitments, and pre8agreed
fle4ibilit$
shall be accorded to all )S*)( #ember Countries;
1-; In facilitating the free flo0 of services b$ 1,-2, )S*)( is also 0or7ing to0ards recognition
of professional 3ualifications 0ith a vie0 to facilitate their movement 0ithin the region;
)ctionsC
i; Remove substantiall$ all restrictions on trade in services for + priorit$ services sectors,
air transport, e8)S*)(, healthcare and tourism, b$ 1,-, and the fifth priorit$ services
sector, logistics services, b$ 1,-./
ii; Remove substantiall$ all restrictions on trade in services for all other services sectors b$
1,-2/
iii; %nderta7e liberalisation through consecutive rounds of ever$ t0o $ears until 1,-2, i;e;
1,,B, 1,-,, 1,-1, 1,-+ and 1,-2/
iv; &arget to schedule minimum numbers of ne0 sub8sectors for each roundC -, sub8sectors
in 1,,B, -2 in 1,-,, 1, in 1,-1, 1, in 1,-+ and 6 in 1,-2, based on G)&S F/-1,
universe of classification/
v; Schedule pac7ages of commitments for ever$ round according to the follo0ing
parametersC
H (o restrictions for #odes - and 1, 0ith e4ceptions due to bona fide regulator$ reasons
--
9such as public safet$: 0hich are subEect to agreement b$ all #ember Countries on a
case8b$8case basis/
H )llo0 for foreign 9)S*)(: e3uit$ participation of not less than 2-G b$ 1,,B, and
6,G b$ 1,-, for the + priorit$ services sectors/ not less than +<G b$ 1,,B, 2-G b$
1,-,, and 6,G b$ 1,-. for logistics services/ and not less than +<G b$ 1,,B, 2-G
b$ 1,-,, and 6,G b$ 1,-2 for other services sectors/ and
H !rogressivel$ remove other #ode . mar7et access limitations b$ 1,-2/
vi; Set the parameters of liberalisation for national treatment limitations, #ode + and
limitations in the horiDontal commitments for each round b$ 1,,</
vii; Schedule commitments according to agreed parameters for national treatment
limitations, #ode + and limitations in the horiDontal commitments set in 1,,</
viii; Complete the compilation of an inventor$ of barriers to services b$ )ugust 1,,B/
i4; )llo0 for overall fle4ibilities1, 0hich cover the sub8sectors totall$ e4cluded from
liberalisation and the sub8sectors in 0hich not all the agreed parameters of liberalisation
of the modes of suppl$ are met, in scheduling liberalisation commitments; &he scheduling
of liberalisation commitments in each round shall be accorded 0ith the follo0ing
fle4ibilitiesC
H !ossibilit$ of catching up in the ne4t round if a #ember Countr$ is not able to meet
the parameters of commitments set for the previous round/
H )llo0ing for substituting sub8sectors that have been agreed to be liberalised in a
round but for 0hich a #ember Countr$ is not able to ma7e commitments 0ith subsectors
outside the agreed sub8sectors/ and
H iberalisation through the )S*)( #inus I formula;
4; Complete mutual recognition arrangements 9#R)s: currentl$ under negotiation, i;e;
architectural services, accountanc$ services, surve$ing 3ualifications, medical practitioners
b$ 1,,B, and dental practitioners b$ 1,,</
4i; Implement the #R)s e4peditiousl$ according to the provisions of each respective #R)/
4ii; Identif$ and develop #R)s for other professional services b$ 1,-1, to be completed b$
1,-2/ and
4iii; Strengthen human resource development and capacit$ building in the area of services;
Aor the financial services sector.,
11; iberalisation measures of the financial services sector should allo0 members to ensure
orderl$ financial sector development and maintenance of financial and socio8economic
stabilit$;
1 &he -2G figure for overall fle4ibilit$ 0ill be revie0ed upon the completion of the inventor$ of limitations in
1,,B;
. )ll measures for the financial services sector 0ill be subEect to prudential measures and balance of
pa$ment
safeguards as provided for under the F&= General )greement on &rade in Services;
-1
#ember Countries 0ould be guided b$ the follo0ing principles in pacing their liberalisation
measuresC
9a: iberalisation through )S*)( #inus I formula 0here countries that are read$ to
liberalise can proceed first and be Eoined b$ others later/ and
9b: &he process of liberalisation should ta7e place 0ith due respect for national polic$
obEectives and the level of economic and financial sector development of the individual
members;
)ctionsC
i; !rogressivel$ liberalise restrictions in sub8sectors or modes as identified b$ each member
countr$ b$ 1,-2/ and
ii; !rogressivel$ liberalise restrictions in the remaining sub8sectors or modes, 0hich are not
identified under ?pre8agreed fle4ibilities@, b$ 1,1,;
A,3 /ree *lo6 o* in7est%ent
1.; ) free and open investment regime is 7e$ to enhancing )S*)("s competitiveness in
attracting foreign direct investment 9ADI: as 0ell as intra8)S*)( investment; Sustained inflo0s
of ne0 investments and reinvestments 0ill promote and ensure d$namic development of
)S*)(
economies;
1+; )S*)( investment cooperation is being implemented through the Arame0or7 )greement
on the )S*)( Investment )rea 9)I):, -<<B, 0hile investment protection is accorded under a
separate agreement i;e; the )S*)( )greement for the !romotion and !rotection of Investment,
-<B6 or commonl$ referred to as )S*)( Investment Guarantee )greement 9IG):;
12; %nder the )I), all industries 9in the manufacturing, agriculture, fisher$, forestr$ and mining
and 3uarr$ing sectors and services incidental to these five sectors: shall be open and national
treatment granted to investors both at the pre8establishment and the post8establishment
stages,
0ith some e4ceptions as listed in member countries" &emporar$ *4clusion ists 9&*: and
Sensitive
ists 9S:; &he &* is to be phased8out based on agreed timelines; )lthough the S does not
have a
timeline for phasing8out, the$ 0ill be revie0ed periodicall$;
1>; &o enhance regional integration as 0ell as to maintain a competitive investment area,
both the Arame0or7 )greement on the )I) and the )S*)( IG) 0ill be revie0ed; &he obEective
is to realise a more comprehensive investment agreement 0hich should be for0ard loo7ing,
0ith
improved features, provisions and obligations b$ considering international best practices that
0ould
increase the investor confidence in )S*)(; &he )S*)( Comprehensive Investment )greement
9)CI):, 0hich 0ill build on the e4isting )I) )greement and )S*)( IG), 0ill cover the follo0ing
pillarsC
-.
Investment Protection
16; !rovide enhanced protection to all investors and their investments to be covered under the
comprehensive agreement;
)ctionsC
i; &o strengthen among others the follo0ing provisionsC
H investor8state dispute settlement mechanism/
H transfer and repatriation of capital, profits, dividends, etc;+
H transparent coverage on the e4propriation and compensation/
H full protection and securit$/ and
H treatment of compensation for losses resulting from strife;
Facilitation and Cooperation
1B; ) more transparent, consistent and predictable investment rules, regulations, policies and
procedures;
)ctionsC
i; Harmonise, 0here possible, investment policies to achieve industrial complementation
and economic integration/
ii; Streamline and simplif$ procedures for investment applications and approvals/
iii; !romote dissemination of investment informationC rules, regulations, policies and
procedures, including through one8stop investment centre or investment promotion
board/
iv; Strengthen databases on all forms of investments covering goods and services to
facilitate polic$ formulation/
v; Strengthen coordination among government ministries and agencies concerned/
vi; Consultation 0ith )S*)( private sectors to facilitate investment/ and
vii; Identif$ and 0or7 to0ards areas of complementation )S*)(80ide as 0ell as bilateral
economic integration;
Promotion and Awareness
1<; !romote )S*)( as an integrated investment area and production net0or7;
+ Since these items are related to capital movements, the$ should follo0 the guiding principles of capital
movements as stated in section );+; Areer Alo0 of Capital, particularl$ on allo0ing Greater Capital #obilit$;
-+
)ctionsC
i; Create the necessar$ environment to promote all forms of investment and ne0 gro0th
areas into )S*)(/
ii; !romote intra8)S*)( investments, particularl$ investments from )S*)(8> to C#'/
iii; !romote the gro0th and development of S#*s and #(*s/
iv; !romote industrial complementation and production net0or7s among #(Cs in
)S*)(/
v; !romote Eoint investment missions that focus on regional clusters and production
net0or7s/
vi; *4tend the benefits of )S*)( industrial cooperation initiatives in addition to the )IC=
Scheme to encourage regional clusters and production net0or7s/ and
vii; For7 to0ards establishing an effective net0or7 of bilateral agreements on avoidance of
double ta4ation among )S*)( countries;
Liberalisation
.,; !rogressive liberalisation of )S*)( #ember Countries" investment regime to achieve free
and open investment b$ 1,-2;
)ctionsC
i; *4tend non8discriminator$ treatment, including national treatment and most8favoured
nation treatment, to investors in )S*)( 0ith limited e4ceptions/ minimise and 0here
possible, eliminate such e4ceptions/
ii; Reduce and 0here possible, eliminate restrictions to entr$ for investments in the !riorit$
Integration Sectors covering goods/ and
iii; Reduce and 0here possible, eliminate restrictive investment measures and other
impediments, including performance re3uirements;
A83 /reer *lo6 o* ca9ital
.-; Strengthening )S*)( Capital #ar7et Development and Integration;
)ctionsC
i; )chieve greater harmonisation in capital mar7et standards in )S*)( in the areas of
offering rules for debt securities, disclosure re3uirements and distribution rules/
ii; Aacilitate mutual recognition arrangement or agreement for the cross recognition of
3ualification and education and e4perience of mar7et professionals/
-2
iii; )chieve greater fle4ibilit$ in language and governing la0 re3uirements for securities
issuance/
iv; *nhance 0ithholding ta4 structure, 0here possible, to promote the broadening of
investor base in )S*)( debt issuance/ and
v; Aacilitate mar7et driven efforts to establish e4change and debt mar7et lin7ages, including
cross8border capital raising activities;
.1; )llo0ing Greater Capital #obilit$;
&he liberalisation of capital movements is to be guided b$ the follo0ing principlesC
a: *nsuring an orderl$ capital account liberalisation consistent 0ith member countries"
national agenda and readiness of the econom$/
b: )llo0ing ade3uate safeguard against potential macroeconomic instabilit$ and s$stemic
ris7 that ma$ arise from the liberalisation process, including the right to adopt necessar$
measures to ensure macroeconomic stabilit$/ and
c: *nsuring the benefits of liberalisation to be shared b$ all )S*)( countries;
)ctionsC
i; Remove or rela4 restrictions, 0here appropriate and possible, to facilitate the flo0s of
pa$ments and transfers for current account transactions/
ii; Remove or rela4 restrictions on capital flo0s, 0here appropriate and possible, to support
foreign direct investment and initiatives to promote capital mar7et development
A:3 /ree *lo6 o* s4illed laour
..; In allo0ing for managed mobilit$ or facilitated entr$ for the movement of natural persons
engaged in trade in goods, services, and investments, according to the prevailing regulations
of the
receiving countr$, )S*)( is 0or7ing toC
)ctionC
i; Aacilitate the issuance of visas and emplo$ment passes for )S*)( professionals and
s7illed labour 0ho are engaged in cross8border trade and investment related activities;
->
.+; In facilitating the free flo0 of services 9b$ 1,-2:, )S*)( is also 0or7ing to0ards
harmonisation
and standardisation, 0ith a vie0 to facilitate their movement 0ithin the region;
)ctionsC
i; *nhance cooperation among )S*)( %niversit$ (et0or7 9)%(: members to increase
mobilit$ for both students and staff 0ithin the region/
ii; Develop core competencies and 3ualifications for Eob/occupational and trainers s7ills
re3uired in the priorit$ services sectors 9b$ 1,,<:/ and in other services sectors 9from
1,-, to 1,-2:/ and
iii; Strengthen the research capabilities of each )S*)( #ember Countr$ in terms of
promoting s7ills, Eob placements, and developing labour mar7et information net0or7s
among )S*)( #ember Countries;
A;3 Priorit" Inte'ration Sectors
.2; Fhile it is desirable to integrate across the 0hole range of economic sectors, )S*)( has
recognised the magnitude of the challenge this 0ould pose and initiall$ focused its resources
on
comprehensivel$ integrating a limited number of priorit$ sectors, 0hich 0ill serve as a catal$st
for
the overall )S*)( economic integration;
.>; &0elve priorit$ integration sectors 0ere identified for accelerated economic integration;
Several #ember Countries too7 on the coordinator role for each sector; *ach priorit$
integration
sector has a roadmap, 0hich combines specific initiatives of the sector and the broad
initiatives that
cut across all sectors such as trade facilitation measures;
.6; Raising the efficienc$ of these 7e$ sectors 0ill enable )S*)( to compete for capital, and
retain value8added economic activit$ and emplo$ment in the region; &he sectoral approach
allo0s
the region to focus its limited resources on rapid and deep integration in these critical areas
0hile
provides )S*)( members the opportunit$ to observe and manage the impact of integration
and to
Eointl$ develop a stronger sense of commitment to economic integration prior to a broader roll8
out;
)ctionsC
i; Conduct a bi8annual revie0 to monitor the status, progress and effectiveness of !IS
roadmaps to ensure their timel$ implementation/ and
ii; Identif$ sector8specific proEects or initiatives through regular dialogues or consultation
0ith sta7eholders, particularl$ the private sector;
A+3 /ood& A'riculture and /orestr"
.B; *nhance intra8 and e4tra8)S*)( trade and long8term competitiveness of )S*)("s food,
agriculture and forestr$ products/commodities;
-6
)ctionsC
i; #onitor implementation of C*!&8)A&) schemes for agricultural and forest products/
ii; Develop and appl$ fisheries 3ualit$ management s$stems that ensure food safet$ and
support competitive position of )S*)( fisheries products on 0orld mar7ets through
the implementation, validation, verification of HaDard )nal$sis Critical Control !oint
9H)CC!:8based s$stems and improved laboratories practices, and adapting 3ualit$ and
safet$ management s$stems so that the$ ma$ be applied to small enterprises in )S*)(
b$ 1,,</
iii; *stablish Good )griculture / )3uaculture !ractices 9G)!:, Good )nimal Husbandr$
!ractices 9G)H!:, Good H$giene !ractices 9GH!:, Good #anufacturing !ractices 9G#!:,
and HaDard )nal$sis Critical Control !oint 9H)CC!: based s$stems/ for agricultural and
food products 0ith significant trade / trade potential b$ 1,-1/
iv; Harmonise the 3uarantine and inspection/sampling procedure b$ 1,-, and Sanitar$ and
!h$tosanitar$ 9S!S: measures for agricultural, food and forestr$ products 0ith significant
trade / trade potential/ in accordance 0ith international standards/guidelines, 0here
applicable, b$ 1,-2/
v; Harmonise the #a4imum Residue imits 9#Rs: of commonl$ used pesticides for 0idel$
traded crop products in accordance 0ith international standards/guidelines, 0here
applicable, b$ 1,-,/
vi; Harmonise the regulator$ frame0or7 for agricultural products derived from modern
biotechnolog$ in accordance 0ith international standards/guidelines, 0here applicable,
b$ 1,-2/
vii; Harmonise the safet$ and 3ualit$ standards for horticultural produce and agricultural
products of economic importance in the )S*)( region, in accordance 0ith international
standards/guidelines, 0here applicable, b$ 1,-2/
viii; Harmonise the animal 9both terrestrial and a3uatic animals: health control for safet$ of
food of animal origin through a common bio8securit$ management standards scheme,
in accordance 0ith international standards/guidelines, 0here applicable, b$ 1,-2/
i4; Harmonise guidelines for the use of chemicals in a3uaculture and measures to eliminate
the use of harmful chemicals, in accordance 0ith international standards/guidelines,
0here applicable, b$ 1,,</ and
4; Develop a regional reference frame0or7 on phased8approach to forest certification b$
1,-2;
.<; !romote cooperation, Eoint approaches and technolog$ transfer among )S*)( #ember
Countries and international, regional organisations and private sector;
)ctionsC
i; Develop Eoint strategies / positions on issues of related interest to )S*)( 0ith
-B
international organisations such as F&=, Aood and )griculture =rganisation of the
%nited (ations 9A)=:, Forld =rganisation for )nimal Health 9=I*:, International !lant
!rotection Convention 9I!!C:, C=D*I, Convention on International &rade in *ndangered
Species of Fild Aauna and Alora 9CI&*S: and dialogue partners/
ii; !romote collaborative research and technolog$ transfer in agriculture, food and forestr$
products/
iii; *stablish strategic alliances and Eoint approaches 0ith the private sectors in promoting
food safet$, investment and Eoint venture opportunities, promotion of agricultural
products and mar7et access/
iv; Strengthen efforts to combat illegal logging and its associated trade, forest fire and its
resultant effects/ and
v; Strengthen efforts to combat illegal fishing;
+,; !romote )S*)( agricultural cooperatives as a means to empo0er and enhance mar7et
access of agricultural products, to build a net0or7 mechanism lin7ing agricultural cooperatives,
and
to fulfil the purpose of agricultural cooperatives for the benefit of farmers in the region;
)ctionsC
i; Strengthen strategic alliance bet0een agricultural cooperatives in )S*)( through
bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation/
ii; *stablish business lin7ages among the potential agricultural cooperatives 0ithin )S*)(/
and
iii; !romote direct investment and strategic partnership 0ith )S*)( agricultural cooperatives
producers, consumers, and traders;
B3 Co%9etiti7e Econo%ic Re'ion
B53 Co%9etition Polic"
+-; &he main obEective of the competition polic$ is to foster a culture of fair competition;
Institutions and la0s related to competition polic$ have recentl$ been established in some 9but
not
all: )S*)( #ember Countries 9)#Cs:;2 &here is currentl$ no official )S*)( bod$ for cooperative
0or7 on C! to serve as a net0or7 for competition agencies or relevant bodies to e4change
polic$
e4periences and institutional norms on C!;
)ctionsC
i; *ndeavour to introduce competition polic$ in all )S*)( #ember Countries b$ 1,-2/
ii; *stablish a net0or7 of authorities or agencies responsible for competition polic$ to serve
as a forum for discussing and coordinating competition policies/
2 Currentl$, onl$ four )#Cs 9Indonesia, Singapore, &hailand and 'iet (am: have their o0n competition la0
and competition regulator$ bodies; #ala$sia has not passed an$ nation80ide competition la0 but has,
instead, relied on sector8level regulations to ensure and enforce competition in mar7ets;
-<
iii; *ncourage capacit$ building programmes/activities for )S*)( #ember Countries in
developing national competition polic$/ and
iv; Develop a regional guideline on competition polic$ b$ 1,-,, based on countr$
e4periences and international best practices 0ith the vie0 to creating a fair competition
environment;
B#3 Consu%er Protection
+1; &he building of an integrated economic region 0ith a people8centred approach in this
region
has made )S*)( mindful that consumers cannot be precluded in all measures ta7en to
achieve
this integration; Consumer protection measures are alread$ being developed in tandem 0ith
the
proposed economic measures to address the alread$ emerging consumer protection;
)ctionsC
i; Strengthen consumer protection in )S*)( through the establishment of the )S*)(
Coordinating Committee on Consumer !rotection 9)CCC!:/
ii; *stablish a net0or7 of consumer protection agencies to facilitate information sharing
and e4change/ and
iii; =rganise regional training courses for consumer protection officials and consumer
leaders in preparation for an integrated )S*)( mar7et;
B,3 Intellectual Pro9ert" Ri'!ts (IPR)
+.; In principle, intellectual propert$ 9I!: polic$ can serve as a po0erful stimulus to 9a: cultural,
intellectual and artistic creativit$ and their commercialisation/ 9b: efficient adoption and
adaptation
of more advanced technologies/ and 9c: continuous learning to meet the ever8rising threshold
of
performance e4pectations;
++; I! polic$ can also help to incubate a vibrant culture of creativit$ and invention, and to
ensure more e3uitable access and benefits to all sta7eholders in both traditional and ne0er
I!Rs;
Aurthermore, I! polic$ can influence both the volume and 3ualit$ of e4ternal trade and
investment
and the transfers of advanced, proprietar$ technologies; I! creativit$ is a maEor determinant of
local
value added and e4ternal competitiveness;
+2; Regional cooperation in I!R has been guided b$ the )S*)( I!R )ction !lan 1,,+81,-, and
the For7 !lan for )S*)( Cooperation on Cop$rights 0hich aim to develop a culture of learning
and innovation supported b$ a friendlier I! profile to businesses, investors, inventors and
creators in
)S*)(; In addition, these !lans are also designed to foster better public a0areness,
coordination
and net0or7ing, predictabilit$, capacit$ building, and contribution of I! industries to
competitiveness
and development;
)ctionsC
i; Aull$ implement the )S*)( I!R )ction !lan 1,,+81,-,, and the For7 !lan for )S*)(
Cooperation on Cop$rights/
1,
ii; *stablish an )S*)( filing s$stem for design to facilitate filings b$ users and promote
coordination among the I! =ffices in )S*)( #ember Countries, as receiving office,
contingent upon the language re3uirements/
iii; )ccession to the #adrid !rotocol, 0here possible/
iv; Sustain consultations and information e4changes among national enforcement agencies
in I!R protection/ and
v; !romote regional cooperation on &raditional Kno0ledge 9&K:, Genetic Resources 9GR:
and Cultural &raditional *4pressions 9C&*:;
B83 In*rastructure De7elo9%ent
+>; &ransport Cooperation; )n efficient, secure and integrated transport net0or7 in )S*)(
is vital for realising the full potential of the )S*)( Aree &rade )rea as 0ell as in enhancing the
attractiveness of the region as a single production, tourism and investment destination and
narro0ing
development gaps; )S*)( transport is also critical in lin7ing )S*)( 0ith the neighbouring
(ortheast
and South )sian countries;
+6; Regional efforts have been made to enhance transport facilitation and logistics services,
promote multimodal transport infrastructure lin7ages and connectivit$, facilitate transport and
tourism integration and further liberalise the air and maritime transport sectors; &he enabling
frame0or7 for the full liberalisation of air services in )S*)( shall be e4peditiousl$
implemented;
+B; #ulti8modal transport and transport facilitation; &he )S*)( &ransport )ction !lan 9)&)!:
1,,281,-, covers maritime, land and air transport, and transport facilitation; &he !lan outlines
+B
action measures;
)ctionsC
i; Implementation of the )S*)( Arame0or7 )greement on the Aacilitation of Goods in
&ransit b$ 1,,</
ii; Implementation of the )S*)( Arame0or7 )greement on #ultimodal &ransport b$
1,-,/ and
iii; Ainalisation of the )S*)( Arame0or7 )greement on the Aacilitation of Inter8State
&ransport b$ 1,,B for its implementation beginning 1,-,;
+<; and transport; !riorit$ is given to completion of the Singapore8Kunming Rail in7 9SKR
and the )S*)( High0a$ (et0or7 9)H(: proEects;
)ctionsC
i; Complete the development of all the missing lin7s in the Singapore8Kunming Rail in7/
ii; Complete the implementation of the )H( proEects, in particular, road construction
/ improvement of belo0 Class III road 9t0o narro0 lanes 0ith double bituminous
treatment: sections of designated &ransit &ransport Routes 9&&Rs: of the )H(/ and
1-
iii; *nhance road safet$ in )S*)(;
2,; #aritime and air transport; )dopt the general principles and frame0or7 for an )S*)(
Single Shipping #ar7et and develop and implement the )S*)( Single )viation #ar7et;
)ctionsC
i; Implement relevant International #aritime =rganisation 9I#=: conventions/
ii; Implement the Roadmap to0ards an Integrated and Competitive #aritime &ransport in
)S*)(/
iii; Implement the )S*)( =pen S7$ !olic$ 9Roadmap for Integration of the )ir &ravel Sector:/
and
iv; Implement the )S*)( Single )viation #ar7et;
2-; Information Infrastructure; ) secure and connected information infrastructure is important
for sustaining the region"s economic gro0th and competitiveness; *fforts have been made to
facilitate interconnectivit$ and technical interoperabilit$ among IC& s$stems, leveraging on
e4isting
national net0or7s and evolving these into a regional information infrastructure; *3ual
emphasis has
been given to improving trust and confidence in the use of the Internet and securit$ of
electronic
transactions, pa$ments and settlements;
21; Develop high8speed inter8connections among all national information infrastructures 9(II:;
)ctionsC
i; Aacilitate high8speed connection among all national information infrastructure b$ 1,-,
and implement IC& measures as identified in the ')!/
ii; Intensif$ capacit$ building and training programmes for national Computer *mergenc$
Response &eams 9C*R&s: and strengthen its capacit$, cooperation and the coverage of
the region"s c$ber8securit$ net0or7, including e4panding the )S*)( C*R& Incident Drills
to include )S*)("s Dialogue !artners in 1,,6/
iii; *ncourage the participation of all sta7eholders 9people, communities, enterprises and
public administrations: in utilisation and development of IC& applications and services
on the regional information infrastructure/
iv; Support sectoral IC& applications 9initiall$ in 7e$ sectors such as customs, logistics,
transport, content industr$: to improve their effectiveness and productivit$/
v; *4pand the number of )S*)( countries participating in the )S*)( #R) for
telecommunications e3uipment/ and
vi; Deepen regional polic$ and regulator$ frame0or7 to deal 0ith the opportunities and
challenges in the area of (e4t Generation (et0or7s, including the interoperabilit$ of
products/services, information s$stems and net0or7s in the convergence environment;
11
2.; *nerg$ Cooperation; Secure and reliable suppl$ of energ$ including bio8fuel is crucial to
support and sustain economic and industrial activities; Regional collaboration in the &rans8
)S*)(
Gas !ipeline 9&)G!: and the )S*)( !o0er Grid 9)!G: !roEects allo0s the optimisation of the
region"s
energ$ resources for greater securit$; &hese proEects also provide opportunities for private
sector
involvement in terms of investment, including financing, and technolog$ transfer;
Interconnected
net0or7s of electricit$ grids and gas pipelines offer significant benefits both in terms of
securit$,
fle4ibilit$ and 3ualit$ of energ$ suppl$;
2+; *4pedite the development of the )S*)( !o0er Grid 9)!G: and the &rans8)S*)( Gas
!ipeline 9&)G!:; &he )!G involves -+ electricit$ interconnection proEects and the &)G!, seven
gas
interconnection proEects;
)ctionsC
i; )ccelerate implementation of the )!G and &)G!/
ii; !romote greater involvement of private sectors in )!G and &)G!/ and
iii; Ainalise the )S*)( !etroleum Securit$ )greement to enhance oil and gas securit$ in the
region/
22; Fhile )S*)( strive to0ards accelerating the establishment of an )S*)( Communit$ b$
1,-2, it is important to ensure that such development is sustainable through, among others,
mitigating greenhouse gas emission b$ means of effective policies and measures, thus
contributing
to global climate change abatement; Recognising the limited global reserve of fossil energ$
and
the unstable 0orld prices of fuel oil, it is essential for )S*)( to emphasise the need to
strengthen
rene0able energ$ development, such as bio8fuels, as 0ell as to promote open trade,
facilitation
and cooperation in the rene0able energ$ sector and related industries as 0ell as investment in
the
re3uisite infrastructure for rene0able energ$ development;
2>; #ining cooperation; *nhance trade and investment and strengthen cooperation and
capacit$
in geological and mineral sector for sustainable mineral development in the )S*)( region;
)ctionsC
i; Aacilitate and enhance trade and investment in minerals/
ii; Intensif$ institutional and human capacit$ building in )S*)( geological and mineral
sector/
iii; !romote environmentall$ and sociall$ sustainable mineral development/ and
iv; *ncourage the participation of the private sector in mineral development;
26; Ainancing of Infrastructure !roEects; Ainancing is al0a$s recognised as an important
contributor to economic gro0th; )s )S*)( accelerates its economic integration efforts, greater
investment 0ill be needed particularl$ in the development of regional infrastructure; !utting in
place innovative financing schemes to attract greater private sector involvement is thus
important;
1.
)ctionsC
i; !romote greater participation of private sectors and international organisations in
financing regional infrastructure development such as the )!G, &)G!, SKR and )S*)(
High0a$ (et0or7/ and
ii; Remove or rela4 impediments to cross8border investment in/financing of regional
infrastructure proEects;
B:3 Ta<ation
2B; )ctionsC
i; Complete the net0or7 of bilateral agreements on avoidance of double ta4ation among
all #ember Countries b$ 1,-,, to the e4tent possible;
B;3 E=Co%%erce
2<; &o la$ the polic$ and legal infrastructure for electronic commerce and enable on8line trade
in goods 9e8commerce: 0ithin )S*)( through the implementation of the e8)S*)( Arame0or7
)greement and based on common reference frame0or7s;
)ctionsC
i; )dopt best practices in implementing telecommunications competition policies and
fostering the preparation of domestic legislation on e8commerce/
ii; Harmonise the legal infrastructure for electronic contracting and dispute resolution/
iii; Develop and implement better practice guidelines for electronic contracting, guiding
principles for online dispute resolution services, and mutual recognition frame0or7 for
digital signatures in )S*)(/
iv; Aacilitate mutual recognition of digital signatures in )S*)(/
v; Stud$ and encourage the adoption of the best practices and guidelines of regulations
and/or standards based on a common frame0or7/ and
vi; *stablish a net0or7ing forum bet0een the businesses in )S*)( and its Dialogue !artners
as a platform for promoting trade and investment;
1+
C3 E>uitale Econo%ic De7elo9%ent
C53 SME de7elo9%ent
>,; &he )S*)( !olic$ Blueprint for S#* Development 9)!BSD: 1,,+81,-+ outlines the
frame0or7 for S#* development in the )S*)( region; It comprises strategic 0or7
programmes,
polic$ measures and indicative outputs; Its obEectives are toC
9a: )ccelerate the pace of S#* development, optimising on the diversities of )S*)(
#ember Countries/
9b: *nhance the competitiveness and d$namism of )S*)( S#*s b$ facilitating their access
to information, mar7et, human resource development and s7ills, finance as 0ell as
technolog$/
9c: Strengthen the resilience of )S*)( S#*s to better 0ithstand adverse macroeconomic
and financial difficulties, as 0ell as the challenges of a more liberalised trading
environment/ and
9d: Increase the contribution of S#*s to the overall economic gro0th and development of
)S*)( as a region;
)ctionsC
i; &imel$ implementation of the )S*)( !olic$ Blueprint for S#* Development 1,,+81,-+
9)!BSD:/
ii; !romote net0or7ing of S#*s and their participation in the building of regional production
and distributions net0or7s/ and
iii; !romote best practices in S#* development, including S#* financing;
C#3 Initiati7e *or ASEAN Inte'ration (IAI)
>-; Given the different levels of development among )S*)( #ember Countries, there arises
the
need to ensure the deepening and broadening integration of )S*)( is accompanied b$
technical
and development cooperation to address the development divide and accelerate the economic
integration of the less developed )S*)( #ember Countries so that the benefits of )S*)(
integration are shared and enEo$ed b$ all )S*)( #ember Countries; &his 0ould allo0 )S*)(
#ember Countries to move in a unified manner;
>1; &he Initiative for )S*)( Integration 9I)I:, launched in (ovember 1,,,, gives the direction
and
sharpens the focus of collective efforts to narro0 the development gap not onl$ 0ithin )S*)(
but
bet0een )S*)( and other parts of the 0orld as 0ell; &he I)I currentl$ covers the follo0ing
priorit$
areas, namel$ infrastructure, human resource development, information and communications
technologies 9IC&:, capacit$ building for regional economic integration, energ$, investment
climate,
tourism, povert$ reduction and improvement in the 3ualit$ of life;
12
>.; #eeting the )*C challenge 0ill re3uire C#' to develop polic$ to enhance economic
gro0th, strengthen economic competitiveness, increase domestic and foreign direct
investments,
e4pand private sector enterprises 0hile meeting its public goals;
)ctionsC
i; *nhance the I)I to serve as the platform for identif$ing and implementing technical
assistance and capacit$ building programmes for both public and private sectors in )S*)(
#ember Countries, in particular, C#' and the other sub8regional arrangements such
as the I#&8G& and the BI#!8*)G) 0ithin )S*)( to allo0 them to be e3ual partners in
the development of regional production and distribution net0or7s/
ii; )S*)(8> to continue its support for I)I programmes/
iii; Garner sufficient support from dialogue partners and international organisations such
as the )sian Development Ban7 and the Forld Ban7 for effective implementation of the
I)I programmes/
iv; Build/strengthen capacit$ of government officials to develop/implement economic and
social policies that 0ould mitigate the effects of economic integration/ and
v; Conduct periodic socio8economic studies to monitor/evaluate the impact of economic
integration;
D3 Inte'ration into t!e .loal Econo%"
>+; )S*)( operates in an increasingl$ global environment, 0ith interdependent mar7ets and
globalised industries; In order to enable )S*)( businesses to compete internationall$, to ma7e
)S*)( a more d$namic and stronger segment of the global suppl$ chain and to ensure that
the
internal mar7et remains attractive for foreign investment, it is crucial for )S*)( to loo7
be$ond
the borders of )*C; *4ternal rules and regulations must increasingl$ be ta7en into account
0hen
developing policies related to )*C;
D53 Co!erent A99roac! to6ards E<ternal Econo%ic Relations
>2; )S*)( shall 0or7 to0ards maintaining ?)S*)( Centralit$@ in its e4ternal economic
relations, including, but not limited to, its negotiations for free trade 9A&)s: and comprehensive
economic partnership 9C*!s: agreements; &his shall be done b$C
)ctionsC
i; Revie0 A&)/C*! commitments vis8J8vis )S*)("s internal integration commitments/ and
ii; *stablish a s$stem for enhanced coordination, and possibl$ arriving at common
approaches and/or positions in )S*)("s e4ternal economic relations and in regional and
multilateral fora;
1>
D#3 En!anced 9artici9ation in 'loal su99l" net6or4s
>>; )S*)( shall also enhance participation in global suppl$ net0or7s b$C
)ctionsC
i; Continuing the adoption of international best practices and standards in production and
distribution, 0here possible/ and
ii; Developing a comprehensive pac7age of technical assistance for the less developed
)S*)( #ember Countries to upgrade their industrial capabilit$ and productivit$ to
enhance their participation in regional and global integration initiatives;
III3 IMPLEMENTATION
>6; ) strategic schedule that includes 7e$ milestones for a comprehensive and deeper
economic
integration shall form an integral part of this Blueprint; Consultations have been made 0ith
relevant
bodies/sta7eholders to invite their inputs and coordinating conferences 0ere held to Eointl$
revie0
the Blueprint and its strategic schedule among all sta7eholders to ensure consistenc$ of the
above
measures, programmes and milestones across sectors and promote greater sense of
o0nership of
the Blueprint;
>B; Relevant )S*)( sectoral bodies 0ill coordinate the implementation of the above
programmes and measures 0hile relevant government agencies 0ill be responsible for
overseeing
the implementation and preparation of more detailed action plans at the national level;
!artnership
arrangements 0ith the private sector, industr$ associations and the 0ider communit$ at the
regional and national levels 0ill also be activel$ sought 0here re3uired to ensure participation
of all
sta7eholders in the integration process;
><; Aor the successful implementation of these programmes and measures, the necessar$
institutions or mechanisms, resources, capacit$ and political 0ill be accorded to the
Communit$
building process;
A3 I%9le%entation Mec!anis%
6,; Relevant sectoral #inisterial bodies shall be responsible for the implementation of the
Blueprint and monitoring of commitments under their respective purvie0; &he )S*)(
*conomic
#inisters 9)*#:, as the #inisters8in8Charge of *conomic Integration in the Council of )S*)(
*conomic Communit$, shall be accountable for the overall implementation of the Blueprint;
6-; &o allo0 for effective implementation of the Blueprint, the follo0ing measures on charting
strategic directions and coordination shall be implemented;
)ctionsC
i; &he H&A shall provide strategic inputs to the )*# on issues affecting the timel$
implementation of the Blueprint/
16
ii; %nderta7e regular consultations 0ith various sectoral bodies to discuss and elicit
feedbac7 on implementation issues of the Blueprint/ and
iii; &he Secretar$8General of )S*)( shall report the progress of )*C to relevant ministerial
meetings and the Summit;
61; In enhancing the implementation arrangements and streamlining the decision8ma7ing
process of all )S*)( economic initiatives identified in the Blueprint and be$ond, the follo0ing
measures are recommendedC
i; !romote transparenc$ and improve the operation of notification procedures under all
)S*)( economic agreements through the !rotocol on (otification !rocedures/
ii; Ratification of )S*)( legal instruments shall be made 0ithin si4 months of signing/
iii; Decision8ma7ing process b$ economic bodies to be made b$ consensus, and 0here
there is no consensus, )S*)( to consider other options 0ith the obEective of e4pediting
the decision8ma7ing process/
iv; %tilise the *nhanced Dispute Settlement #echanism 9DS#: to promote a rules8based
communit$/
v; &he )S*)( #inus I formula can be invo7ed to accelerate the implementation of agreed
economic initiatives/ and
vi; Ale4ibilit$ should be accorded in the implementation of )*C, 0hich shall be pre8agreed
and not dela$ the overall progress and implementation of the )*C;
6.; !rogress in the implementation of the above programmes and measures for )*C building
b$ #ember Countries needs to be monitored, revie0ed and disseminated to all sta7eholders;
&he
)S*)( Secretariat shall revie0 and monitor compliance of implementing the Blueprint;
)ctionC
i; Develop and maintain a set of statistical indicators, including an integrated tariff and
trade data database s$stem, address harmonisation of statistics and data 3ualit$ issues,
and the )*C scorecards, to monitor and assess the progress of implementation of each
element of the )*C;
6+; Aor the financial sector,
i; *stablish an appropriate implementation mechanism in the form of regular progress
reports to the eaders;
1B
B3 Resources
62; Research and capacit$ building support is to be mobilised from various facilities;
)ctionsC
i; &he )S*)( Development Aund, 0ith contributions from #ember Countries, 0ill be a
vehicle to dra0 resources from other )S*)( and non8)S*)( sources/
ii; Identif$ and implement technical studies or training programmes on issues, areas or
topics 0here anal$tical as 0ell as capacit$ building support are needed to facilitate the
implementation of the )*C Blueprint/
iii; &ranslate milestones and targets of the )*C Blueprint into national milestones and
targets and incorporate them in their national development plans/
iv; !romote the participation of the )DB, Forld Ban7/IAC, dialogue or trading partners and
the private sector in the development of regional infrastructure proEects/
v; Strengthen the research and planning capabilities of the )S*)( Secretariat in areas
relevant to the )*C/
vi; Strengthen the research capabilities and human capital development of each )S*)(
#ember Countr$/ and
vii; *stablish appropriate capacit$ building programmes to assist ne0er member countries
to enhance the development and regulator$ frame0or7s of their financial mar7ets;
C3 Co%%unications
6>; Success of building the )*C re3uires involvement b$ all sta7eholders in the integration
process; In addition to involving all sta7eholders in the formulation of the Blueprint, a good
communications programme is re3uired to create greater public a0areness of the )*C in all
)S*)(
countries as 0ell as to 7eep all sta7eholders, including the business communities and people of
)S*)(, informed of the progress of this communit$ building;
)ctionsC
i; aunch a comprehensive communications plan to e4plain to the government officials,
7e$ sta7eholders and the general public the obEectives, benefits and challenges of the
)*C/
ii; Develop a regional platform for open discussion and sharing information in implementing
the )S*)( *conomic Communit$/
iii; #ember Countries shall set up a mechanism at the national level to regularl$ report the
outcome and issues of the integration process/ and
iv; Create an )*C communications 0ebsite that 0ould provide an additional channel to
reach communities at large, 0here sta7eholders can provide feedbac7 and respond to
)S*)( economic initiatives;
1<
D3 Re7ie6
66; &he )*C Blueprint shall be revie0ed periodicall$ ta7ing into account d$namic regional and
global developments;