Asean urged to seek cooperation, not competition mysinchew/node/89779 2013-08-10 13:38 BANGKOK, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- A Thai scholar has urged Asean member countries to explore regional cooperation rather than seek competition to achieve goals of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) due to be established in 2015, Thai News Agency (TNA) reported. Assistant Professor Dr. Kitti Prasirtsuk, director of Institute of East Asian Studies at Thammasat University, advised members of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to concentrate on their similarities instead of differences in developing an Asean community. "Similarities exist in the common characteristics and cultures of Asean people, including the pattern of extended family and low individualism," he said at a seminar to commemorate the 46th anniversary of the establishment of Asean here recently. Dr. Kitti said Asean countries also share common problems that include haze and cross-border diseases and development and urbanisation issues, which can be addressed through regional cooperation. "Asean countries can also share opportunities and strengthen potential in goods production and they should thus seek cooperation instead of focusing on competition," he said. Former deputy commerce minister Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, who is now Board of Directors chairman of MFC Asset Management Public Co. Ltd, recommended that support be given to new Asean members such as Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar to develop their economies in the lead-up to AEC. The seminar titled "Asean Community: One vision, Multiculturalism, And How Can We Live Together?" was organised by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Asean Association-Thailand. [That Man]
Posted on: Sat, 10 Aug 2013 10:33:44 +0000
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