1. The ASEAN-CCI held its 53rd Council Meeting in Jakarta on 11th March, 1997.

    DEALING WITH EXTERNAL ORGANIZATIONS

  2. At the strategic meeting of the Chamber which was held recently in Kuala Lumpur, business leaders deliberated at length on the issues that are likely to affect the trade of the ASEAN. The following main issues were identified as of significant importance, namely;

    Labour standards
    Multilateral Investment Agreement
    Environment protection
    Intellectual Property rights
    Competition policy
    Transparency of regulations and procedures in government
    procurement

  3. The meeting recognizes that these issues will likely be pursued by the developed nations at international forum especially the WTO and APEC. As these issues have great impact on the businesses of the Asean business community, the Council agreed that there is a need for the Chamber to be proactive in the activities of these organizations in order to be able to articulate and present the coherent views of the region’s business sector so as to ensure the interests of developing nations are taken into consideration in the deliberations of such organizations.

    ASEAN VISION 2020

  4. The ASEAN-CCI will believes that the future growth of ASEAN will be closely linked with the dynamism and competitiveness of its business sector. The ability of the ASEAN nations to sustain the continuing improvement, in standard of living of its citizens, including the adication of property will depend on the effectiveness of the business sector to be the engine of growth and the main vehicle for the creation of wealth.

  5. Therefore, as a partner with government in forging economic development, the Chamber will be submitting its views to the political leaders in regards to the formulation of VISION 2020. A second strategic planning session will be held in Kuala Lumpur in July for business leaders to deliberate on the subject.

    IDENTIFICATION OF NON-TRADE BARRIERS

  6. In order to help with the successful implementation of AFTA, the Chamber, through a survey made amongst the business enterprises have identified a list of non-trade barriers which will be conveyed to the Economic Ministers for their removal.

  7. In addition, the Chamber had also identified a list of NTBs which are encountered by ASEAN businesses in their dealings with non-ASEAN countries. These NTBs will be conveyed to the AEM so that the issue of removing them can be negotiated with the relevant dialogue partners.

    RELATIONS WITH NON-ASEAN ORGANIZATIONS

  8. The meeting decided to form two additional business councils to promote trade and investment, namely the ASEAN-Pakistan and ASEAN-China Business Councils.

    THE 2nd ASEAN BUSINESS SUMMIT

  9. The Asean Business Summit which will be held once every two years is forum which provide networking amongst Asean and Non-Asean businessmen. The Council had decided that the 2nd Summit will be held in March in 1999 at Kuala Lumpur.