ASEAN and Regional Comprehensive Economic partnership

Abstract

            This research is to study (1) the purpose of ASEAN to establish Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) (2) Problems and opportunity of ASEAN in establishment of RCEP (3) ASEAN’s approach toward achievement of RCEP.  By means of qualitative research, data were collected by internet, Youtube and participant observation.  The results of the research reveals that ASEAN act in accordance with the ASEAN Charter, ASEAN ECONOMIC Blueprint 2025 and ASEAN community VISION 2025 to maintain the centrality and proactive role of ASEAN as the primary driving force in integration into global economy or regional architecture that is open and inclusive. The major problems of ASEAN to realize RCEP is the diversity, economic gap and perception to open the market of RCEP’s member especially India.  For opportunity, ASEAN will become a very dynamic economic group.  Trade volume between all members shall increase according to the pact.  Moreover, ASEAN establish the “RCEP Trade Negotiating Committee” as principal mechanism to success.  Thailand plays important role in conclusion of the deal during the 34^th – 35^th ASEAN Summit held in Bangkok which Thailand is chairman.  Finally, the RCEP was signed at the ASEAN Summit hosted by Vietnam in 2020 and came into force in 2022