======Global Megatrends : Implications for the ASEAN Economic Community======
The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) aims to create a single market and production base that is prosperous, highly competitive, and economically integrated, with equitable development across its member states. The AEC seeks to facilitate the free flow of goods, services, investment, skilled labor, and capital, while promoting sustainable economic development and narrowing the development gap among member countries.  \\ 
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^  Quick Facts  ^^
|Report location:  |[[https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Global-Megatrends-Implications-for-the-AEC_FULL-1.pdf|source]]   |
|Language:  |English  |
|Publisher:  |<WRAP> 
The ASEAN Secretariat \\ 
</WRAP>   |
|Authors:  | Chen Chen Lee,  Cheryl Tan,  Javier Lopez-gonzalez,  Julia Puspadewi Tijaja,  Lau Xin Yi,  Ma Fideles Sadicon,  Risti Permani,  Ruth Karlina Mahyassari,  Sarah Box,  Seree Nonthasoot,  Shangari Kiruppalini,  Yap Kioe Sheng, Simon S.c. Tay  |
|Geographic focus:  |Asean   |
|Page count:  |192  |

=====Methods=====
The research method used in this report involves a comprehensive analysis of ASEAN's environmental and sustainable development agenda, the examination of initiatives such as the AATHP, and the assessment of the AEC's approach to integrating environmental concerns into its economic integration efforts. The method includes reviewing ASEAN's official documents, policies, and blueprints, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of regional cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.  \\ 
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=====Key Insights=====
ASEAN's approach to environmental protection and sustainable development involves cooperation across borders, sectors, and pillars of the regional community. The ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) is a key initiative to address haze pollution from land and forest fires. The AEC's environmental agenda is broad, encompassing the promotion of environmentally friendly technology, harmonization of policies, sustainability of cities and urban areas, and protection of freshwater sources. The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025 emphasizes environmental protection and the development of environmentally-sound technology. Efforts to address the haze issue require cross-cutting actions that involve not only environmental ministers but also economic actors, businesses, and financial institutions. The AEC must align its economic strategies with sustainable development goals to ensure benefits are felt by individuals and businesses while minimizing environmental and social impacts.  \\ 
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=====Additional Viewpoints=====
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<span #categories_box> Categories:  {{tag>Asean_geographic_scope}} |  {{tag>English_publication_language}} |  {{tag>asean_agreement}} |  {{tag>asean_economic_community}} |  {{tag>climate_change}} |  {{tag>economic_integration}} |  {{tag>environmental_agenda}} |  {{tag>environmental_protection}} |  {{tag>social_impacts}} |  {{tag>sustainable_development}} |  {{tag>sustainable_development_goals}} |  {{tag>transboundary_haze_pollution}}   </span>  


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