ASEAN poised to raise its profile amid global economic turmoil

 Report From: http://www.dap-news.com

MANADO, Indonesia, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) is expected to raise its profile amidst global debt crisis, as the bloc is relatively immune to the crisis with its significant growth and close connectivity between member states will make them less dependent on developed countries.

With its ambition to play a greater role in global arena, ASEAN keeps integrating its self with various dialogs, meetings and actions.

Meanwhile, ASEAN is experienced in dealing 1997-1998 crises that is certainly a capital to face upcoming crisis.

In 2009, ASEAN's economic growth dipped to 1.6 percent but it rebounded to 7.4 percent in 2010. Its success in dealing the impact of 2008-2009 global crises brings optimism among state officials that the bloc could counter the impact of ongoing crisis in developed countries.

ASEAN member states have indeed made significant progress to lower barriers in trade and investment among its members.

By 2010, for example, 99.11 percent tariffs of ASEAN-6 (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand) were already 0 percent, whilst 98.86 percent tariffs of ASEAN-4 ( Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) were ranging between 0 and 5 percent.