ASEAN Free Trade Area Launched in January 1992 * Eliminating tariff barriers among the Southeast Asian countries + Integrating the ASEAN economies into a single production base * Creating a regional market of over 500 million people + ASEAN cooperation has resulted in greater regional integration ithin three years from the launching of AFTA, exports among countries grew from US$43.26 billion in 1993 to almost eT ela)® In 1997, the ASEAN leaders adopted the ASEAN Vision 2020, which aimed at forging closer economic integration within the region. ® Development of Trans-ASEAN transportation network consisting of major inter-state highway and railway networks, rincipal ports and sea lanes for maritime traffic, inland waterway transport, and = liaoASEAN Socio-Cultural Community ® To combat the pitfalls of capitalism & free trade, namely, disparity in wealth & job este This community focuses on disadvantaged groups such as rural i rs, women & children.