A well-functioning Intellectual Property (IP) system would foster an environment in which creativity and innovation can flourish, by affording protection of creations and inventions and providing avenues for commercialisation and allowing financial benefit from such IP assets. Over the past several years, ASEAN has been working towards the development of the IP system in the region through the ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC).
ASEAN is committed to building an investment climate that is conducive for business. The goal of free flow of investment is one of the key elements characterising ASEAN’s economic community building effort. The enforcement of the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA) on 29 March 2012 marked a key milestone in fulfilling this goal.
ASEAN Member States (AMS) are leveraging on information and communications technology (ICT) to support the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). In line with this, promoting the movement of ICT human capital within the region through the establishment of mutual recognition agreement (MRA) for ICT skill certification is an integral component of human capital development under the ASEAN ICT Masterplan 2015.
In an integrated economy, people travel more across the region as restrictions on investment, tourism and employment are reduced. This will lead to heavier use of international roaming services in mobile devices.
The Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation between ASEAN and India was signed in October 2003 and served as legal basis to conclude further agreements, including Trade in Goods Agreement, Trade in Services Agreement, and Investment Agreement that form the ASEAN-Indian Free Trade Area (AIFTA)
In 2005, ASEAN and the Republic of Korea signed the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation, which set the stage for the signing of four agreements: Trade in Goods, Services, Investment, and Dispute Settlement Mechanism. All these formed the legal instruments for establishing the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Area (AKFTA).
The ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) Agreement, enforced in December 2008, covers trade in goods, trade in services, investment, and economic cooperation.
The Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation between ASEAN and China has sets goals to not just eliminate tariffs. It also addresses behind-the-border barriers that impede the flow of goods and services as well as encourage investment and enhance cooperation.
