About ASEAN

• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, is a regional & intergovernmental organisation of 10 countries of Southeast Asia. 
• ASEAN was established in 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration).
• Its members are Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, Myanmar, Philippines, Brunei and Vietnam. 
• The organisation aims to accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavours in the spirit of equality and partnership. They work towards the progress of the Southeast Asia region. 
• ASEAN is headed by a chair—a position that rotates annually among leaders of member states.
• ASEAN activities are coordinated by the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia. 

Free Trade Agreements of ASEAN

• ASEAN has free trade agreements with six partners namely People’s Republic of China (ACFTA), Republic of Korea (AKFTA), Japan (AJCEP), India (AIFTA) as well as Australia and New Zealand (AANZFTA).
• ASEAN member states have also established the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) with China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

Why in News?

• The ASEAN Summit is being held in Vientiane, Laos, focused on pressing regional and international issues.