The delegation led by Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party Margot James was received by the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Economic Community, Lim Hong Hin, the ASEAN Secretariat said in a press release here on Friday.
Both sides exchanged views on the EU and ASEAN model of integration and how ASEAN could gain from the EU experience.
Although the two models have different aspirations, Deputy Secretary General Lim pointed out that there are indeed lessons that ASEAN and EU could learn from each other.
One such area would be the integration of new members into ASEAN.
With regard to Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Lim explained that both initiatives are building blocks for a region-wide free trade arrangement and provide accession for interested parties to join the initiatives once the negotiation has been concluded.
However the level of ambitions may differ between the two initiatives.
Lim also briefed the delegation on the latest development in ASEAN`s efforts and challenges faced in establishing an ASEAN Economic Community by 2015.
He explained specific efforts being pursued in promoting the ASEAN as an investment destination including the forthcoming Forum on ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement.
The Delegation had earlier visited the Indonesian Parliamentary Commission and other trade and investment related departments in Indonesia before going to the ASEAN Secretariat.
(Tx.A050/F001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
