Asean and Pacific Basin economic co-operation

Abstract

A lot has been written about the idea of economic co-operation among Pacific Basin countries. The topic has been widely discussed in many international conferences as well. Such discussions were not without results, for over the years they have led to a more explicit formulation of specific features which any meaningful form of Pacific co-operation should entail. One important feature is its consultative nature, and another is tripartite participation, namely a forum in which government officials, academics, and business representatives could exchange their views. Still another is its pragmatic orientation, implying that areas of co-operation should be defined on the basis of mutual interests as they unfold in the process.