Can South-East Asian form a Common Border Region?

Atobe SG

Can the various South-east Asian Countries that formed ASEAN form a borderless region for ease of travel, trade and commerce - much like the European Union ?

Can Nationalistic and Racial prejudices be suppressed for the benefit of all the countries in this region ?

The benefits of a Common ASEAN Market and Free Trade Area has been brought up since the mid-1980's, and a long term date of 2010 has been set for the most backward ASEAN Member to be ready for such an event.

However, bi-lateral gripes continue to exist that will disrupt such a possibility to be realised.

Relationships remain tense and abrasive between Malaysia-Singapore, Malaysia-Philippines, Thailand-Cambodia, Cambodia-Vietnam, Thailand-Myanmar, Malaysia-Indonesia, with some incidents that have resulted in open destruction of national properties and also exchanges of military fires.

Can South-east Asian reach a level of economic and social maturity, without parochial nationalistic fervor that blocks the idea of a common ASEAN Interest ?

sgboy2004 SG

not at this moment when the various ASEAN countries are in turmoil: e.g Indonesia got a bomb blast today at its central police station, and the r/s between sg and malaysia is filmsy now too.

BillyBong SG

I believe u're refering to a "passport-less" region to allow ease of passage for various nationals? Much like what europe may be approaching with the introduction of the EURO?

During the APEC summit, the possibility of having an "asian dollar" was tossed about but no realistic conclusion was drawn.

With the serious problem of illegal immigrants jumping between countries, the rival claims over islands like the spratleys, border disputes requiring abitration instead of local govt negotiations etc etc...the idea of a "common border region" is by far a dream rather than a reality, at least or now.

It is a noble target nonetheless that our future leaders might place as a benchmark to signify a new level of cooperation and economic understanding among SE Asian countries.

sgboy2004 SG

with the recent spade of terrorism and increasing crime rates, such dream will be left low on the agenda.

laser51088 SG

Erm.. . Asian dollar??? I doubt so. . ., the countries of Asia differ far and wide be it in economies of scale, economic stability, infrastructure already in place, foreign debt, etc. A common Asian dollar would be very difficult to implement as well, esp. in countries like Indonesia and China. Even a South-east Asian dollar would already face many similar problems, albeit on a slightly smaller scale