The private sector is a key stakeholder in ASEAN integration and Public-Private sector engagement (PPE) is crucial for the realisation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).  PPE allows the private sector to better understand the desired outcomes and workings of the AEC and in turn, private sector feedback contributes to the success of ASEAN in designing regional strategies and initiatives as well as in identifying impediments to deepen regional economic integration.  Greater involvement and more structured participation of the private sector provides the necessary input to the regional process, particularly in reducing current and future trade and investment impediments faced by business enterprises.