AEF

The ASEAN Economic Forum (AEF) is a loose association of individual economists and research institutions in the ASEAN region, which undertakes collaborative studies on ASEAN economic cooperation and integration. In an effort to strengthen the AEF, CSIS has agreed to act as its secretariat.

Background to AEF

The initiative to form AEF began with a series of meetings in 1996 to study the economic impacts of the forest fires in Indonesia and Malaysia on the region, and the challenges to the ASEAN economies posed by volatile international capital movements. AEF is currently undertaking a number of policy studies following intensive discussions with relevant officials at ASEAN Senior Economic Officials Meetings (SEOMs). These studies, which are supported by the World Bank, include trade in services the Rules of Origin and the ASEAN-China free trade area. Economists from all ASEAN countries are participating.

For further information please contact Dr Mari Pangestu (mpangestu@ssafara.net).