Towards a borderless Economic Community

This study, which analyzes long-term economic development aspirations, challenges, and policy options for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), was conducted by the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), in close consultation with the ASEAN Secretariat and the Asian Development Bank. It is a companion work to the ADB/ADBI study ASEAN, PRC, and India: The Great Transformation.

Consultative Approach

The study used a consultative approach to identify the region’s 2030 growth aspirations and development challenges. After brainstorming meetings at ADB, the ASEAN Secretariat, and ADBI, seminars were held at the ASEAN Studies Centers in Washington, DC and Jakarta. The study largely benefited from consultation missions held in each ASEAN member country in 2011 and 2012, engaging with local policymakers, scholars, the civil society, think tanks, and other stakeholders. ADB resident missions provided inputs and technical support.

Inputs and Governance

Ten background papers were prepared on each ASEAN member country’s perspectives and 29 other background papers were commissioned on thematic issues. ADB’s Economics and Research Department prepared growth projections. A team of experts reviewed the quality of background papers and the final report. The ASEAN High-Level Task Force on Economic Integration provided guidance and ideas regularly. About the Study xiv

 ASEAN Think Tanks Involved in the Study

Cambodia Development Resource Institute, Phnom Penh; National Economic Research Institute, Vientiane; Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Jakarta; Institute of Strategic and International Studies, Kuala Lumpur; Myanmar Development Resource Institute, Yangon; Philippine Institute for Development Studies, Manila; Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore; Thailand Development Research Institute, Bangkok; Central Institute for Economic Management, Ha Noi; and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, Jakarta.