Economy

OVERVIEW

The objective of this meeting was to analyse the current state of the regional debate in East Asia and identify possible areas for initiatives and contributions from Europe.

Participants exchanged views on useful lessons that Asia could draw from the European integration experience, as well as aspects of Asian development that could be relevant to Europe. They also explored the possibility of Asia following the regional integration model of the European Union. However, after examining various factors in Asia -- which differed from the European circumstance and interest -- most participants agreed that it was important to first consider Asian particularities in terms of the constitution, the military, and the economy.

THE ISSUES

- East Asia and Western Europe: Between regionalisation and globalisation

- The region as a security community

- The driving forces of institutions: The region as a construction

KEY ATTENDEES

Mr. Surin Pitsuwan

Mr. Rodolfo C. Severino

Mr. Gilles Andreani

Mr. Abdurrahman Wahid