The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) co-announced a multi-sector development assistance program with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)'s Secretariat here on Monday to help ASEAN reach its goal of establishing the ASEAN community by 2015.
The program, called ASEAN Development Vision to Advance National Cooperation and Economic Integration (ADVANCE), will be developed and funded over the next 7 years to support ASEAN's implementation of its Bluprint for the Economic Community and the blueprints for ASEAN's Political Security and Socio-Cultural pillars.
"ASVANCE reflects the commitment of the US to promote ASEAN-U.S. dialogue and cooperation, which will provide expertise and support for ASEAN integration, particularly enhance the capacity and capabilities of the ASEAN Secretariat in its facilitation and implementation of ASEAN integration towards becoming the ASEAN Community by 2015," Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, the Secretary-General of ASEAN, said at the joint press conference.
Scot Marciel, the U.S. Deputy Assistant of State for East Asia and the Pacific, said the program will deepen U.S. engagement in the Southeastern Asia and facilitate greater economic integration and improved governance within the region.
Three regional programs under ADVANCE that were recently launched by USAID are namely, the ASEAN-U.S. Technical Assistance and Training Facility in 15 activity streams, the ASEAN Single Window Program to support the development and implementation of a clearance system, The Regional Supply Chain/Competitiveness Program to promote regional market integration.
The funds absorbed by the ADVANCE come from a range of different sources, including the U.S. government, ASEAN member states, and other donors.
For fiscal year 2007, the U.S. Government provided 7 million U.S. dollars to fund the startup of ADVANCE. Approximately 7 million dollars more is expected in fiscal year 2008. ADVANCE is expected to be able to absorb as much as 150 million dollars.
ASEAN and U.S. set up mechanism of dialogue in 1977 and has become important trade partners for both side. From 2002 to 2005, ASEAN member countries received investment of 40 billion dollars from U.S.
Source: Xinhua
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