Full History Of ASEAN In Timeline From 1909

1909: The Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909

In 1909, Siam (now Thailand) had to contend with unequal treaties as well as British political interference and territorial losses after the Anglo-Siamese Treaty.

1954: Formation of the South East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO)

In 1954, the South East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), led by the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, was formed with several Southeast Asian partners as an extension of "containment" policy.

July 1961: Formation of the Association of Southeast Asia (ASA)

On July 31, 1961, the Association of Southeast Asia (ASA), the predecessor of ASEAN, was formed, consisting of Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaya.

August 1967: Creation of ASEAN

On August 8, 1967, ASEAN was created when the foreign ministers of five countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand—signed the ASEAN Declaration, which aimed to accelerate economic, social, and cultural development in the region, as well as promoting regional peace.

1970: South Korea proposes an Asian Common Market

In 1970, South Korea proposed the creation of an Asian Common Market to bring closer regional co-operation.

April 1975: End of the Vietnam War and decline of SEATO

In April 1975, the end of the Vietnam War led to a change in the balance of power and the decline of SEATO, allowing ASEAN to achieve greater cohesion.

1976: ASEAN's First Summit Meeting

In 1976, ASEAN's first summit meeting was held in Bali, Indonesia, resulting in an agreement on several industrial projects and the signing of a Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, and a Declaration of Concord.

1976: Cooperation in tourism formalized

In 1976, Cooperation in tourism was formalised following the formation of the Sub-Committee on Tourism (SCOT) under the ASEAN Committee on Trade and Tourism.

1976: First ASEAN Summit held in Bali

In 1976, the first ASEAN Summit was held in Bali, marking the beginning of formal meetings among the heads of government of member states.

1978: Establishment of the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information

In 1978, the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information (COCI) was established to promote effective cooperation in the fields of information and culture.

1978: Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia

In 1978, the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia, backed by the Soviet Union, was not accepted by ASEAN, which rejected it as a violation of the principles of regional integration.

1980: ASEAN cooperates to oppose Vietnam's move

Starting in 1980, ASEAN cooperated with the US and Australia to oppose Vietnam's move and it sponsored a Cambodian resolution in the United Nations General Assembly.

October 1981: 1st ASEAN Tourism Forum held in Kuala Lumpur

The 1st ASEAN Tourism Forum was held on 18–26 October 1981 in Kuala Lumpur.

1981: ASEAN Tourism Forum established

In 1981, the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) was established as a regional meeting of NGOs, Ministers, sellers, buyers and journalists to promote the ASEAN countries as a single tourist destination.

January 1984: Brunei becomes ASEAN's sixth member

On January 7, 1984, Brunei became ASEAN's sixth member.

1986: ASEAN Promotional Chapters for Tourism established

In 1986, ASEAN Promotional Chapters for Tourism (APCT) were established in Hong Kong, West Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia/New Zealand, Japan, and North America to promote tourism.

1987: Third ASEAN Summit in Manila

In 1987, during the third ASEAN Summit in Manila, it was decided that leaders would meet every five years.

1988: Japan suggests an Asian Network

In 1988, Japan suggested the creation of an Asian Network to bring closer regional co-operation.

1989: Start of Strong Economic Growth in ASEAN Member States

From 1989 to 2009, the average economic growth of ASEAN member states was between 3.8% and 7%, surpassing the average growth of APEC, which was 2.8%.

1990: Malaysia proposes East Asia Economic Caucus

In 1990, Malaysia proposed the creation of an East Asia Economic Caucus composed of the members of ASEAN, China, Japan, and South Korea to counterbalance the growing US influence in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and Asia, however, the proposal failed.

1991: Paris Agreement

In 1991, ASEAN played a major role in the peace process, leading to the Paris Agreement.

January 1992: Adoption of the Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) Scheme

In 1992, the Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) scheme was adopted as a schedule for phasing out tariffs. On 28 January 1992, it was signed in Singapore.

January 1992: Establishment of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)

On 28 January 1992, the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) was established, including a Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) to promote the free flow of goods between member states. At the time of signing, ASEAN had only six members.

1992: Fourth ASEAN Summit in Singapore

In 1992, at the fourth ASEAN Summit in Singapore, leaders decided to meet more frequently, every three years.

1994: First ASEAN Regional Forum meeting

In 1994, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) met for the first time to foster dialogue and consultation, and to promote confidence-building and preventive diplomacy in the region.

July 1995: Vietnam joins ASEAN as the seventh member

On July 28, 1995, following the end of the Cold War, Vietnam joined ASEAN as the seventh member.

November 1995: Establishment of the ASEAN University Network

In November 1995, the ASEAN University Network (AUN) was founded by 11 universities to promote cooperation among ASEAN scholars, academics, and scientists.

December 1995: Adoption of the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Trade in Services

In December 1995, the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Trade in Services (AFAS) was adopted at the ASEAN Summit in Bangkok. Under this agreement, member states negotiate to liberalise trade in services.

December 1995: Signing of the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty

On December 15, 1995, the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty was signed to turn Southeast Asia into a nuclear-weapon-free zone.

1996: Asia–Europe Meeting initiated

In 1996, the Asia–Europe Meeting (ASEM), an informal dialogue process, was initiated with the intention of strengthening co-operation between the countries of Europe and Asia, especially members of the European Union and ASEAN in particular.

1996: First leaders' meetings held

In 1996, the first leaders' meetings were held to deal with Asia–Europe Meeting issues.

March 1997: Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty Takes Effect

On March 28, 1997, the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty took effect after all but one of the member states had ratified it.

July 1997: Laos and Myanmar join ASEAN

On July 23, 1997, Laos and Myanmar (formerly Burma) joined ASEAN.

1997: Adoption of ASEAN Vision 2020

Beginning in 1997, heads of each member state adopted the ASEAN Vision 2020 during the group's 30th anniversary meeting held in Kuala Lumpur, which provides provisions on peace and stability, a nuclear-free region, closer economic integration, human development, sustainable development, cultural heritage, being a drug-free region, and environment.

1997: Limited Cross-Border Electricity Trade Despite ASEAN Power Grid Efforts

Cross-border electricity trade in ASEAN has been limited, despite efforts since 1997 to establish an ASEAN Power Grid and associated trade.

1997: China and Japan each wanted regular summit meetings with ASEAN members afterwards

In 1997 China and Japan each wanted regular summit meetings with ASEAN members afterwards.

1997: ASEAN Plus Three created

In 1997, work for further integration continued, and the ASEAN Plus Three, consisting of ASEAN, China, Japan, and South Korea, was created.

1997: Asian Financial Crisis

The concept of an Asian Currency Unit (ACU) started in the middle of the 1990s, prior to the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

April 1999: Cambodia Joins ASEAN

On April 30, 1999, Cambodia joined ASEAN following the stabilization of its government.

1999: Joint Statement on East Asia Cooperation implemented

Since the implementation of the Joint Statement on East Asia Cooperation in 1999 at the Manila Summit, ASEAN Plus Three finance ministers have been holding periodic consultations.

2000: Start of GDP Boost Period Due to FTA with Australia and New Zealand

On 27 February 2009, an FTA with Australia and New Zealand was signed. The FTA is believed to boost combined GDP across the 12 countries by more than US$48 billion over the period between 2000 and 2020.

2000: Increase in Energy Demand in ASEAN

Since 2000, ASEAN's overall energy demand has grown by more than 80%, with the majority of this growth being met by a doubling in fossil fuel use.

June 2001: Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty Becomes Fully Effective

On June 21, 2001, the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty became fully effective after the Philippines ratified it, effectively banning all nuclear weapons in the region.

2001: ASEAN decides to meet annually

In 2001, ASEAN decided that the organisation would meet annually to address urgent issues affecting the region.

2001: Deforestation in Indonesia

In the 2001–2013 period, Indonesia recorded the largest loss of forest in the ASEAN region, exceeding the combined loss of other member states.

2002: Signing of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution

In 2002, the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution was signed in an attempt to control haze pollution in Southeast Asia.

2003: Formalization of ASEAN Vision 2020 through Bali Concord II

In 2003, ASEAN Vision 2020 was formalized and made comprehensive through the Bali Concord II.

2004: Start of Increase in ASEAN Defense Budget

From 2004 to 2013, the ASEAN defense budget rose by 147%. This increase can be attributed to factors such as economic growth, aging equipment, and the plan to strengthen the establishment of the defense industry.

December 2005: ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting

In December 2005, at the 11th ASEAN Summit, leaders welcomed the decision of the ASEAN education ministers to convene meetings on a regular basis to set new direction for regional education collaboration.

December 2005: First East Asia Summit held in Kuala Lumpur

On 14 December 2005, the first East Asia Summit was held in Kuala Lumpur, with subsequent meetings held after the annual ASEAN Leaders' Meeting.

2005: Outbreak of haze in Southeast Asia

In 2005, Southeast Asia experienced an outbreak of haze, demonstrating the ineffectiveness of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution.

2006: ASEAN Gains Observer Status at the UN General Assembly

In 2006, ASEAN was given observer status at the United Nations General Assembly. In response, the organization awarded the status of "dialogue partner" to the UN.

2006: Outbreak of haze in Southeast Asia

In 2006, Southeast Asia experienced another outbreak of haze, demonstrating the ineffectiveness of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution.

July 2007: ASEAN Regional Forum membership

As of July 2007, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) consists of twenty-seven participants that include all ASEAN member states, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, China, the EU, India, Japan, North and South Korea, Mongolia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Timor-Leste, the United States, and Sri Lanka.

August 2007: ASEAN Aims to Complete Free Trade Agreements

On 26 August 2007, ASEAN stated its aim of completing free trade agreements (FTA) with China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand by 2013, in line with the start of the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015.

November 2007: Signing of the ASEAN Charter

In November 2007, ASEAN states signed the ASEAN Charter, a constitution governing relations among member states and establishing the group itself as an international legal entity.

November 2007: Adoption of the AEC Blueprint

On November 20, 2007, the blueprint that serves as a comprehensive guide for the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) was adopted at the 13th ASEAN Summit in Singapore.

2007: Acceleration of the ASEAN Community

During the 12th ASEAN Summit in Cebu in 2007, it was decided that the ASEAN Community, initially planned to commence by 2020, was accelerated to begin by 31 December 2015.

2007: Gradual Lowering of Import Duties in ASEAN

Since 2007, ASEAN countries have gradually lowered their import duties to member states, with a target of zero import duties by 2016.

2007: Financial crisis of 2007-2008

The financial crisis of 2007–2008 was seen as a threat to the ASEAN charter's goals.

December 2008: ASEAN Charter comes into force

In December 2008, the ASEAN Charter came into force, leading to the ASEAN Summit being held twice a year.

December 2008: Launch of ASEAN Charter

On December 15, 2008, the member states met in Jakarta to launch the charter signed in November 2007, to move closer to "an EU-style community".

December 2008: Removal of Air Service Restrictions

Since 1 December 2008, restrictions on the third and fourth freedoms of the air between capital cities of member states for air passenger services have been removed as part of the ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASEAN-SAM).

2008: Financial crisis of 2007-2008

The financial crisis of 2007–2008 was seen as a threat to the ASEAN charter's goals.

January 2009: Full Liberalisation of Air Freight Services

From 1 January 2009, full liberalisation of air freight services in the ASEAN region took effect as part of the ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASEAN-SAM).

February 2009: Discussion of a human rights body

In February 2009, the idea of a proposed human rights body was discussed at a future summit, although the body would not have the power to impose sanctions or punish countries which violated citizens' rights.

February 2009: Signing of FTA with Australia and New Zealand

On 27 February 2009, an FTA with Australia and New Zealand was signed, expected to boost combined GDP across the 12 countries by more than US$48 billion over the period between 2000 and 2020.

May 2009: ASEAN Meeting on Responding to the H1N1 Pandemic

On May 8, 2009, ASEAN held a special meeting between ASEAN and ASEAN+3 health ministers on responding to the H1N1 pandemic. At this meeting, agreements were made on establishing hotlines, forming joint response teams, and bolstering ongoing research efforts.

2009: End of Period of Strong Economic Growth in ASEAN Member States

From 1989 to 2009, the average economic growth of ASEAN member states was between 3.8% and 7%, surpassing the average growth of APEC, which was 2.8%.

2009: China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund Announced

In 2009, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao announced the establishment of the China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund.

2009: Outbreak of haze in Southeast Asia

In 2009, Southeast Asia experienced another outbreak of haze, demonstrating the ineffectiveness of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution.

2009: Adoption of Blueprints for APSC and ASCC

In 2009, blueprints for APSC and ASCC were adopted in Cha-am, Thailand, to fully embody the three pillars as part of the 2015 integration.

2009: Realised Foreign Direct Investment

In 2009, realised foreign direct investment (FDI) in ASEAN was US$37.9 billion.

January 2010: Full Effect of ASEAN–China Free Trade Area (ACFTA)

On 1 January 2010, the agreement with China created the ASEAN–China Free Trade Area (ACFTA), which went into full effect.

May 2010: ASEAN Defense Industry Collaboration Proposed

On 11 May 2010, during the 4th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) in Hanoi, the ASEAN Defense Industry Collaboration (ADIC) was proposed. The ADIC aims to reduce defense imports from non-ASEAN countries by half and to further develop the defense industry within the region.

October 2010: East Asia Vision Group II established at 13th ASEAN Plus Three Summit

At the 13th ASEAN Plus Three Summit on 29 October 2010 in Hanoi, East Asia Vision Group (EAVG) II was established to stock-take, review, and identify the future direction of the co-operation.

2010: Plastic Waste Pollution Data

Based on 2010 data, five ASEAN member states were among the top 10 worst plastic polluters out of 192 countries, with Indonesia ranked as the second worst.

2010: Intra-ASEAN travel escalates

In 2010, 47% or 34 million out of 73 million tourists in ASEAN member-states were from other ASEAN countries, indicating an increase in intra-ASEAN travel.

2010: Increase in Foreign Direct Investment

In 2010, realised foreign direct investment (FDI) in ASEAN increased two-fold to US$75.8 billion from US$37.9 billion in 2009. The largest share of FDI came from the European Union (22%), followed by ASEAN countries (16%), Japan, and the United States.

2010: China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund operations begin

In 2010, the China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund began operations and became the first Southeast Asia-focused private equity fund approved by China's State Council and the National Development and Reform Commission.

2010: First ASEAN Economic Community Scorecard Published

In 2010, the first official ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Scorecard, a compliance tool developed based on the EU Internal Market Scorecard, was published. It serves as an unbiased assessment tool to measure the extent of integration and economic health of the region.

January 2011: Full Liberalisation of Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights

On 1 January 2011, full liberalisation on fifth freedom traffic rights between all capital cities in ASEAN took effect as part of the ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASEAN-SAM).

May 2011: Adoption of the ASEAN Defense Industry Collaboration

On 19 May 2011, the ASEAN Defense Industry Collaboration (ADIC) was formally adopted during the ADMM in Jakarta, Indonesia. The initiative focuses on boosting the security capability of ASEAN industrially and technologically.

November 2011: Establishment of Vocational Schools in China

In November 2011, ten vocational schools and centers were established in China to help develop human resources to assist in the economic and social development of the ASEAN countries.

November 2011: China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation fund established

In November 2011, the China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation fund was established, underwritten by China and valued at RMB 3 billion.

2011: 81 million tourists visit ASEAN

In 2011, 81 million tourists visited ASEAN.

2011: United States and Russia join East Asia Summit

In 2011, the United States and Russia joined the East Asia Summit at the Sixth EAS, expanding the forum's membership to include these important players with dominance and influence over the region.

January 2012: ASEAN tourism ministers call for development of a marketing strategy

In January 2012, ASEAN tourism ministers called for the development of a marketing strategy representing the consensus of ASEAN National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) on marketing directions for ASEAN moving forward to 2015.

March 2012: Consensus on Media's Role

During the 11th ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) Conference in Malaysia on 1 March 2012, a consensus declared that both new and traditional media were keys to connecting ASEAN peoples and bridging cultural gaps in the region, leading to the conceptualization of ASEAN Media Cooperation (AMC).

November 2012: Adoption of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration

In November 2012, the commission adopted the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, which has been critiqued widely by the international community.

2012: ASEAN foreign ministerial statements become more contentious

From 2012, particularly as international disagreements over the South China Sea increased, the wording of ASEAN foreign ministerial statements became more politically contended.

2012: Philippines' Readiness for Integration

In 2012, Romulo A. Virola, said that the Philippines seemed unready to benefit from the integration due to its "wobbly" economic performance compared to other member states.

2012: India-ASEAN Bilateral Trade Target Crossed

In 2012, bilateral trade between India and ASEAN crossed the US$70 billion target, which was initially set to be achieved by 2015.

2012: Postponement of AEC Commencement

In 2012, the commencement of the AEC was postponed to 31 December 2015 from the original plan of 1 January.

2012: Second ASEAN Economic Community Scorecard Published

In 2012, the second official ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Scorecard was published. It is designed to monitor the implementation of ASEAN agreements and the achievement of milestones indicated in the AEC Strategic Schedule.

February 2013: First Round of Negotiations on Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership

From 26–28 February 2013, ASEAN, together with its six major trading partners, began the first round of negotiations in Bali, Indonesia, on the establishment of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

2013: Significant Rise in ASEAN Defense Budget

By 2013, the ASEAN defense budget had risen by 147% since 2004, driven by economic growth, aging equipment, and plans to strengthen the defense industry. The budget is expected to rise further in the future.

2013: Outbreak of haze in Southeast Asia

In 2013, Southeast Asia experienced another outbreak of haze, demonstrating the ineffectiveness of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution.

2013: Target Year for Completing Free Trade Agreements

In August 2007, ASEAN aimed to complete free trade agreements (FTA) with China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand by 2013.

2013: Deforestation in Indonesia

In the 2001–2013 period, Indonesia recorded the largest loss of forest in the ASEAN region, exceeding the combined loss of other member states.

2013: Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index report

In the 2013 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) report, Singapore placed 1st, Malaysia placed 8th, Thailand placed 9th, Indonesia placed 12th, Brunei placed 13th, Vietnam placed 16th, Philippines placed 17th, and Cambodia placed 20th as the top destinations of travellers in the Asia Pacific region.

January 2014: Concerns about Launching the AEC by the Deadline

In January 2014, the US Chamber of Commerce highlighted widespread concern that the much-anticipated AEC could not be launched by the 2015 deadline. Rodolfo C. Severino, wrote: "while ASEAN should not be condemned for its members' failure to make good on their commitments, any failure to deliver will likely lead to a loss of credibility and could mean that member states fall further behind in the global competition for export markets and foreign direct investment (FDI)".

November 2014: Launch of the ASEAN Communication Master Plan

On 14 November 2014, foreign ministers of member states launched the ASEAN Communication Master Plan (ACPM) to communicate the character, structure, and overall vision of ASEAN.

December 2015: Planned commencement of the ASEAN Community

During the 12th ASEAN Summit in Cebu in 2007, it was decided that the ASEAN Community, initially planned to commence by 2020, was accelerated to begin by December 31, 2015.

December 2015: Professionals Free to Work in ASEAN States

Effective 31 December 2015, individuals in eight professions (physicians, dentists, nurses, architects, engineers, accountants, surveyors, and tourism professionals) are free to work in any ASEAN states due to Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs).

December 2015: Postponement of AEC Commencement

In 2012, the commencement of the AEC was postponed to 31 December 2015 from the original plan of 1 January.

2015: Establishment of a Single Market

ASEAN sought economic integration by creating the AEC by the end of 2015 that established a single market.

2015: Implementation of AEC

By 2015, the Philippines needed to protect its agricultural and financial services sectors, as well as the labor sector, for the implementation of the Asian Economic Community (AEC).

2015: Corruption Perceptions Index

Following the release of the Corruption Perceptions Index 2015 by Transparency International on 27 January, Srirak Plipat, noted that: "if there was one common challenge to unite the Asia-Pacific region, it would be corruption".

2015: Original Target Year for India-ASEAN Bilateral Trade

In 2012, bilateral trade between India and ASEAN crossed the US$70 billion target, which was initially set to be achieved by 2015.

2015: 109 million tourists visit ASEAN

In 2015, 109 million tourists visited ASEAN, marking a 34% increase compared to the 81 million tourists in 2011, demonstrating the region's growing popularity as a tourist destination.

2015: Economic Zones

In 2015, ASEAN countries operated many economic zones (industrial parks, eco-industrial parks, special economic zones, technology parks, and innovation districts).

2015: Formation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)

In 2015, ASEAN planned to establish a single market based upon the four freedoms. The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) was formed, but the group deferred about 20% of the harmonization provisions needed to create a common market.

2015: Outbreak of haze in Southeast Asia

In 2015, Southeast Asia experienced another outbreak of haze, demonstrating the ineffectiveness of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, thirteen years after it was signed. 50% of the ASEAN member states were affected.

2015: Concerns about the ASEAN Integration Plan

In 2015, business and economy experts cited unresolved issues relating to aviation, agriculture, and human resources, with some warning against high expectations for the ASEAN Economic Community.

2015: Proposed joint ASEAN navy to combat piracy

In 2015, the 10 ASEAN member states discussed creating a joint ASEAN navy to conduct operations in piracy hotspots like the Strait of Malacca. However, this proposal was ultimately implemented through bilateral and sub-regional efforts instead of within the ASEAN framework.

2015: Concerns about the AEC

In 2015, the Asian Development Bank also had doubts about Cambodia's ability to meet the AEC deadline. Leading economist of ADB, Jayant Menon, said that Cambodia needs to speed up its customs reform and to press ahead with automating processes to reduce trade costs and minimise the opportunities for corruption and be ready for the implementation of its National Single Window by 2015.

2015: Start of ASEAN Economic Community

In August 2007, ASEAN stated its aim of completing free trade agreements (FTA) with China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand by 2013, which is in line with the start of the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015.

2015: AEC Scorecard outlines specific actions for establishing AEC

The AEC scorecard outlines specific actions that must be undertaken collectively and individually to establish AEC by 2015.

2015: ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement and Agreement on Customs to Establish AEC

The implementation of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and the Agreement on Customs are vital for achieving targets of the AEC Blueprint and establishing the ASEAN Economic Community by the end of 2015.

2015: Need for ASEAN Banking Institutions to Accommodate and Expand Services

With trade being liberalized due to the integration in 2015, the need arises for ASEAN banking institutions to accommodate and expand their services to an intra-ASEAN market. Experts forecast a shaky economic transition, especially for smaller players in the banking and financial services industry.

July 2016: China assures ASEAN it will not conduct land reclamation on Scarborough Shoal

Shortly after the conclusion of the South China Sea Arbitration, at the 24 July 2016 China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers summit, China assured ASEAN that it would not conduct land reclamation on the Scarborough Shoal. The joint statement at the conclusion of the summit emphasized the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and urged the parties to refrain from inhabiting currently unoccupied islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features.

2016: Planned establishment of the APSC

During the 14th ASEAN Summit, the group adopted the APSC Blueprint, which is aimed at creating a robust political-security environment within ASEAN with programs and activities outlined to establish the APSC by 2016.

2016: Target Year for Zero Import Duties by ASEAN

Since 2007, ASEAN countries have gradually lowered their import duties to member states, with a target of zero import duties by 2016.

August 2017: Rohingya genocide in Myanmar

In August 2017, the Rohingya genocide erupted in Myanmar, killing thousands of Rohingya people and driving most into neighboring Bangladesh, creating a global outcry demanding ASEAN take action against the government of Myanmar.

2017: Vietnam's renewable energy adoption start

In 2017, solar and wind energy accounted for nearly 0% of Vietnam's electricity mix. By 2022 it became 13%.

2017: Political, military and ethnic affairs in Myanmar pose unusual challenges

Since 2017, political, military and ethnic affairs in Myanmar have posed unusual challenges for ASEAN, creating precedent-breaking situations and threatening the traditions and unity of the group, and its global standing.

2018: ASEAN member states created and enforced the Maritime Security Plan of Action 2018-2020

In 2018, ASEAN member states created and enforced the Maritime Security Plan of Action 2018-2020 to address the national legal enforcement capacities and creating a common protocol of action to counter piracy allowing the region to cooperate for ensuring the security of the Pacific Ocean.

2018: ASEAN Members Among World's Outperforming Economies

In 2018, eight of the ASEAN members were among the world's outperforming economies, indicating a positive long-term prospect for the region.

June 2019: Music at the 34th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok

In June 2019, new music was composed for and performed at the 34th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok.

July 2019: ASEAN population in July 2019

As of July 2019, the population of ASEAN was about 655 million people (8.5% of the world population).

2019: Projected Economic Growth of ASEAN

In 2019, ASEAN's aggregate economy was expected to grow by 4.6%, contributing to the release of about 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.

2019: Asian Trade Centre report identifies challenges to ASEAN economic integration

In 2019, a report by the Asian Trade Centre highlighted that ASEAN faces challenges in achieving economic integration goals due to non-tariff barriers. The report warned that the AEC 2025 goals might not be met if these non-tariff measures aren't addressed and eliminated.

2019: 38th Anniversary of the ASEAN Tourism Forum

In 2019, the annual ASEAN Tourism Forum event in Ha Long marked the 38th anniversary and involved all the tourism industry sectors of the 10 member states of ASEAN.

2019: Traders Avoid Tariff on Ethanol

In 2019, traders avoided the 70% tariff on ethanol imported into China from the United States by importing the fuel into Malaysia, mixing it with at least 40% ASEAN-produced fuel, and re-exporting it to China tariff-free under ACFTA rules.

2019: Vietnam's Leadership in Renewable Energy

Since 2019, Vietnam has emerged as a regional leader in renewable energy adoption.

June 2020: ReCAAP report highlights increase in piracy incidents

In June 2020, a ReCAAP report noted an increase in piracy incidents in Asia, specifically in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, the South China Sea, and the Singapore Strait. The report raised concerns that the COVID-19 pandemic's social consequences could worsen piracy in the region.

2020: Levelised Costs of Electricity

Based on 2020 technology costs, ASEAN's electricity industry could achieve 78%–97% penetration of domestic solar and wind energy resources at levelised costs of electricity range from 55 to 115 U.S. dollars per megawatt-hour.

2020: ASEAN Vision 2020

Beginning in 1997, heads of each member state adopted the ASEAN Vision 2020 during the group's 30th anniversary meeting held in Kuala Lumpur, which provides provisions on peace and stability, a nuclear-free region, closer economic integration, human development, sustainable development, cultural heritage, being a drug-free region, and environment. This vision was supposed to be realized by 2020.

2020: Planned commencement of the ASEAN Community

During the 12th ASEAN Summit in Cebu in 2007, it was decided that the ASEAN Community, initially planned to commence by 2020, was accelerated to begin by December 31, 2015.

2020: Formalization of ASEAN Vision 2020 through Bali Concord II

In 2003, ASEAN Vision 2020 was formalized and made comprehensive through the Bali Concord II. This vision was supposed to be realized by 2020.

2020: Projected Economic Growth of ASEAN

In 2020, ASEAN's aggregate economy was expected to grow by 4.8%, contributing to the release of about 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.

2020: Sixth Edition of ASEAN Energy Outlook Published

In 2020, the ASEAN Centre for Energy published the sixth edition of the ASEAN Energy Outlook, which analyzes and promotes the integration of national energy systems across the region.

2020: End of GDP Boost Period Due to FTA with Australia and New Zealand

On 27 February 2009, an FTA with Australia and New Zealand was signed. The FTA is believed to boost combined GDP across the 12 countries by more than US$48 billion over the period between 2000 and 2020.

2020: Challenges for ASEAN Financial Institutions

Two reports by Standard & Poor's (S&P) outline the challenges that ASEAN financial institutions face as they prepare for the 2020 banking integration. The reports point out that overcrowded banking sector in the Philippines is expected to feel the most pressure.

February 2021: Military coup in Myanmar

On February 1, 2021, a military junta overthrew Myanmar's civilian government in a coup d'etat, declaring a national state of emergency, imposing martial law, arresting elected civilian leaders, and violently clamping down on dissent. Global opposition to the coup emerged, and global pressure was brought on ASEAN to take action.

November 2022: Ukrainian Foreign Minister urges ASEAN countries to abandon neutrality

On 12 November 2022, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba urged ASEAN countries to abandon their neutrality and condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

2022: ASEAN reiterates support of the One China policy

Following the 2022 visit by United States Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, ASEAN and individual member states reiterated their support of the One China policy.

2022: Renewable energy contribution to electricity mix

In 2022, solar and wind energy accounted for 13% of Vietnam's electricity mix, a remarkable increase from nearly zero in 2017.

2022: ASEAN's Economic Impact in 2022

In 2022, the ASEAN member states generated a purchasing power parity (PPP) gross domestic product (GDP) of around US$10.2 trillion, constituting approximately 6.5% of global GDP (PPP).

2022: Perceptions of intrusions in the South China Sea

In 2022, there were perceptions that there have been multiple incursions into the South China Sea by the PRC (China) and ROC (Taiwan), with land, islands and resources all having had previous overlapping claims between Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and various other countries. The PRC and ROC's claim into the region is seen as intrusive by many Southeast Asian countries.

2025: New Deadline for Creating a Common Market

After deferring about 20% of the harmonization provisions needed to create a common market in 2015, ASEAN set a new deadline of 2025 to achieve this goal.

2025: Target for Renewables in Primary Energy Supply

By 2025, Southeast Asia aims to achieve a target of 23% renewables in the primary energy supply, requiring an annual investment of US$27 billion in renewable energy.

2025: AEC Blueprint 2025 goal of significant economic integration

The ASEAN Economic Community's AEC Blueprint 2025 aims to achieve significant economic integration, but faces ongoing challenges due to non-tariff barriers within the region.