ASEAN Connectivity: The Hows and Whys

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Connectivity is an integral factor to realize the vision of an ASEAN Community by 2025. This Economic Issue of the Day looks into the concept of ASEAN connectivity and its importance to the region's continued economic growth and pursuit of a people-oriented and inclusive community. The concept seeks to connect the ASEAN region in three dimensions, namely, physical, institutional, and people to people. An interconnected ASEAN is envisioned to promote freer flows of goods, services, and people across the region, as well as knowledge sharing and cultural exchange, through improved physical infrastructure, streamlined regulatory processes, and harmonized procedures and standards. These are anticipated to create significant positive impacts on the region's small and medium enterprises, tourism, and human resources, to name a few.