blems of mutual concern; and,
D. To establish satisfactory trade and tariff regulations that would make the ASEAN nations a viable economic force (Dunning, 1995, 464).
The satisfactory trade and tariff rulings suggested an attitude of cooperation, and one in which trade income would be used to form an atmosphere of comparative rather than competitive advantage. The hope was that more nations would join, giving what would appear to be a united front against what was perceived as a Communist threat in the region.
The primary purpose of the agreement was, and still is, to create an economic bloc that is known as the ASEAN Free Trade Area, similar in concept and structure to the European Common Market. However, as opposed to the European model, which has both strong countries (Germany, France, United Kingdom) and weak countries (Greece, Spain and Italy) ASEAN had no major economy connected with i
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