Q. Consider the following countries:

1. Australia
2. Canada
3. China
4. India
5. Japan
6. USA

Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN ?

  • 1, 2, 4 and 5
  • 3, 4, 5 and 6
  • 1, 3, 4 and 5
  • 2, 3, 4 and 6

Answer: (c) 1, 3, 4 and 5

Notes:
  • The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional grouping that aims to promote economic and security cooperation among its ten members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
  • Establishment: It was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by the founding fathers of ASEAN: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. 
  • Aim: The motto of ASEAN is “One Vision, One Identity, One Community”.
  • Secretariat: ASEAN Secretariat is located in Jakarta, Indonesia.
  • ASEAN countries have a total population of 662 million people and a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of $3.2 trillion as of 2022.
  • It has free trade agreements (FTAs) with a number of countries like India, Japan, New Zealand, China, South Korea, etc.
  • Free-trade agreements (FTAs)
    • ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area
    • ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreements
    • ASEAN-India Free Trade Area
    • ASEAN – Japan Free Trade Area
    • ASEAN-Republic of Korea Free Trade Area
    • ASEAN – Hong Kong, China Free Trade Area
    • Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership