The ASEAN experience in using trade deals to slash trade costs

Southeast Asia has become an increasingly dynamic region in terms of international trade activity. This is true particularly as a coalition of 10 countries looks to become more integrated with each other, as well as with a wide community of partners in the region and farther afield. Notably, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has pursued a multipronged approach to slash trade costs and border lag times both within their grouping and with other countries. This includes efforts to establish and strengthen an economic community; forge regional trade agreements with other countries; and implement global trade rules.