by Cundoko Aprilianto
JAKARTA, July 29 (Xinhua) -- The Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) has been experiencing a meaningful progress compared to several years ago with a growing international recognition as it could show its global competency, an expert told Xinhua in an interview recently.
Bantarto Bandoro, an international expert from the University of Indonesia and a senior researcher in the Indonesian Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), said that the competency becomes a significant value added for the bloc.
"ASEAN cooperation and trade are eyed by international communities and companies. When we see investment flow increases, it means that ASEAN is becoming more 'fertile', resulting in a positive growth for the bloc," said Bantarto.
However, he said, there is an inequality of growth among ASEAN countries.
"For example, Singapore grows faster compared to its neighbors, " he said.
But, he added, that overall ASEAN becomes a steady region to face free market era.
He said that ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) will provide a good opportunity for both sides.
"This is an opportunity. Don't see this as a threat," he said.
