Asia

Asia regional structures

Asia’s ‘regional architecture’ – the agreements, structures and processes which, over time, are integrating the countries of the region – is growing in effectiveness and scope. Given its many interests in the region, New Zealand looks to play and be considered a part of this emerging network of arrangements.

Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

• Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) [external link]

An economic cooperation arrangement that reaches beyond Asia to cover most of the Pacific rim, including Russia and North, Central and South American economies

Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN)

• Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) [external link]

Formed in 1967, ASEAN has 10 members and aims to advance economic growth, social progress and cultural development, as well as to protect peace and stability. New Zealand is not a member of ASEAN, but does belong to some of its associated processes, for instance the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

In 2010, New Zealand and ASEAN celebrated 35 years of dialogue partnership, a milestone celebrated at a commemorative summit held in Hanoi in October 2010. This saw ASEAN Leaders thank New Zealand for its steadfast support over the years. Prime Minister Key affirmed that ASEAN "has a central role in shaping the region and in promoting closer regional integration". More information below:

• ASEAN and New Zealand: Trusted friends, dynamic partners
• ASEAN/New Zealand Commemorative brochure part 1 (PDF 1.3MB)
• ASEAN/New Zealand Commemorative brochure part 2 (PDF 1.5MB)

Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)

RCEP is an ASEAN proposal to consolidate the FTAs it currently has with its FTA partners Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea and New Zealand into one regional FTA. An ASEAN working group has already been established to develop the proposal. Further working groups involving FTA partners are expected to be established later in 2012.

East Asia Summit (EAS)

EAS is a grouping involving the 10 members of ASEAN plus China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and the US. The Summit is described as “a forum for dialogue on broad strategic, political and economic issues of common interest with the aim of promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia”. For more detail on the EAS please click here.

ASEAN Regional Forun (ARF)

• ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) [external link]

This is a 27-member security-focused grouping that includes Pacific rim countries plus the EU, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste. Its purpose is to foster dialogue and consultation in the areas of confidence-building and preventive diplomacy. For more detail on the ARF please click here.

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