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Bridging the ASEAN Development Divide: Challenges and Prospects - A Regional Overview
- ASEAN Economic Bulletin
- ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute
- Volume 24, Number 1, April 2007
- pp. 15-34
- Article
- Additional Information
Southeast Asian countries have set for themselves challenging economic goals individually and collectively. These goals require a significant and sustainable rise in economic growth. Investment is one key, especially in the longer term. Investments in infrastructure, in productivity enhancements by businesses and in the public provision of education and health services help define the potential for growth. This spending is also a factor in the ability of firms and individuals to compete in the international marketplace. There is also the need to have proper co-operative norms: Southeast Asia needs to provide a wider regional market and the policy environment that will allow firms and individuals to participate more fully in international marketplaces. ASEAN has provided a forum for this, particularly looking towards forming the ASEAN Economic Community