Growth triangles and sub-regional cooperation

Abstract

ASEAN governments intiated the creation of sub-regional cooperation in the form of growth triangles as a means towards further encouraging economic development in the frontier states. Such outlying states are generally far away from the administrative and growth centres hence the trickling down of economic growth and benefits have been slow. The growth triangles aim is to create growth spots in these areas and to provide the necessary stimulus for growth to take place, particularly through cooperation involving geographically contiguous regions of neighbouring countries. Such iniatives take advantage of the complementarities that exists and together synergize them into development projects. In addition, these cooperative efforts provide greater security in terms of opening and enlarging border trade which is in line with the promotion of greater trade liberalization.