Asean gets a lift from new leaders before summit

Article Abstract:

Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri have infused new life into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), the 10-nation group, by trying to reduce tensions with some of the other members, to attract foreign investors again, and to give hope that Asean is prepared to increase efforts for economic integration of Southeast Asia. The individual leader's and the group's efforts are discussed.

International Affairs, Thailand, Philippines, Other Regional Groups, Management, International relations, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Megawati Sukarnoputri, Arroyo, Gloria Macapagal-, Thaksin, Shinawatra (Thai prime minister)

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Wahid can bring stability by leaving

Article Abstract:

Funds from "Brunei-gate" and "Bullog-gate," deals in which the Sultan of Brunei gave Wahid US$2 million and the state agency Bullog donated over US$5 million to be spent in the region of the Aceh, have all seemingly disappeared into the hands of businessmen. Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid has also been criticized for his often unpredictable and authoritarian style as a ruler, scandals he's been involved in, disrespecting allies, and his inadequacy at managing the economy.

Brunei, Corporate Foreign Bribery, Finance, Investments, Behavior, Political corruption, Aceh, Indonesia, Bribery, Wahid, Abdurrahman, Corporate corruption, Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan of Brunei

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...And AFTA's lack of real progress

Article Abstract:

Observers question the worth of the Asean Free Trade Area and the committment of its member nations. Though the collective goal of member nations is to promote Southeast Asia to foreign investment, some member nations are locking up their own free trade agreements independent of AFTA. It will be some time before AFTA succeeds in promoting the region with lasting and substantial success.

Asia, Trade Barriers, Free trade, Pacific Area

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