Economic Challenges Facing ASEAN    

Trade has for some time been recognized as a major strategic parameter in international relations. China and the United States – the two remaining superpowers – are, alongside the EU, economic ‘giants’ that have had for some time now a fraught relationship of both rivalry and co-dependence. ASEAN has, in some respects at least, found itself caught in the middle, having not only to walk a delicate diplomatic tightrope but having perhaps a ‘bridging’ role in maintaining international stability essential for the well-being of all stakeholders.

The symposium opened with a keynote speech by the esteemed Professor Tommy Koh (Singapore’s former Permanent Representative to the UN in New York and former Ambassador to the United States of America, Canada and Mexico). 

This was followed by a discussion that attempted to disentangle the complex relationships as well as highlighted the challenges and potentials which face ASEAN. Moderated by Professor Joseph Weiler, the distinguished panel comprises:

• Elizabeth Chelliah, Principal Trade Specialist, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Singapore
• Dr Deborah Elms, Founder and Executive Director of the Asian Trade Centre; President of the Asia Business Trade Association
• Professor Wang Jiangyu, Professor at the School of Law; Director of the Centre for Chinese and Comparative Law, City University of Hong Kong