ASEAN was founded on August 8th, 1967. ASEAN or Association of Southeast Asian Nations was formed with Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore. These five countries were the original members. Several other countries followed suit and became members of ASEAN. They were Brunei Darussalam (January 8th, 1984), Cambodia (April 30th 1999), Myanmar (July, 23rd 1997) , Lao PDR(July, 23rd 1997) and Vietnam (July, 28th , 1995).
Facts about ASEAN:
The ASEAN nations together have a population of 500 million. The gross domestic product of the ASEAN members(combined) account for approximately USD$ 700 billion. If all the ASEAN countries are taken into account, the total trade accounts for approximately, USD850 billion.
Aims and objectives of ASEAN:
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has the following aims:
To speed up growth in the economy of the member nations; to bring about cultural growth and progress in society of the member economies of ASEAN.
To effect stability and and regional peace. This can be achieved by adhering to the norms of United Nations Charter and by having respect for justice.
Association of Southeast Asian Nations Vision 2020:
The Vision 2020 was worked out by several leaders on ASEAN's 30th anniversary.
The ASEAN members believe in the following:
Prosperity and stability in economy
Peaceful living
Being far sighted and looking ahead of ones times.
Maintaining a healthy partnership and creating stronger bonds among the member nations. This would eventually lead to a healthy society and all sided development.
Principles of ASEAN or Association of Southeast Asian Nations :
The different member nations of ASEAN abide by the following principles with respect to one another. These principles are recorded in the TAC or the Treaty Of Amity And Cooperation In Southeast Asia.
The sovereignty, independence, equality, national identity, territorial integrity of all the member nations to be respected mutually.
Cooperation among all members
Should any conflicts arise, these conflicts or disputes are required to be settled in a peaceful way.
Intervention in the internal matters of the other nation to be avoided.
A member nation is entitled to the right of functioning in its own manner without intervention from any external source.
Ignoring any forceful action
In the year 2003, it was decided by the ASEAN leaders, that the following three pivots required to be formed for further development of the association. The three pivots are mentioned hereunder:
ASEAN Socio Cultural Community
ASEAN Security Community
ASEAN Economic Community