HANOI PLAN OF ACTION

Introduction

The Second ASEAN Informal Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur on 15 December 1997, adopted the ASEAN Vision 2020 which sets out a broad vision for ASEAN in the year 2020: an ASEAN as a concert of Southeast Asian Nations, outward looking, living in peace, stability and prosperity, bonded together in partnership in dynamic development and in a community of caring societies.

In order to implement the long-term vision, action plans are being drawn up to realise this Vision. The Hanoi Plan of Action (HPA) is the first in a series of plans of action building up to the realisation of the goals of the Vision.

The HPA has a six-year timeframe covering the period from 1999 to 2004. The progress of its implementation shall be reviewed every three years to coincide with the ASEAN Summit Meetings.

In recognition of the need to address the current economic situation in the region, ASEAN shall implement initiatives to hasten economic recovery and address the social impact of the global economic and financial crisis. These measures reaffirm ASEAN commitments to closer regional integration and are directed at consolidating and strengthening the economic fundamentals of the Member Countries.

I. STRENGTHEN MACROECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL COOPERATION

To restore confidence, regenerate economic growth and promote regional financial stability through maintaining sound macroeconomic and financial policies as well as strengthening financial system and capital markets enhanced by closer consultations, so as to avoid future disturbances.

1.1 Maintain regional macroeconomic and financial stability.

1.1.1 Strengthen the ASEAN Surveillance Process; and

1.1.2 Structure orderly capital account liberalisation.

1.2 Strengthen financial systems.

1.2.1 Adopt and implement sound international financial practices and standards, where appropriate by 2003;

1.2.2 Coordinate supervision and efforts to strengthen financial systems;

1.2.3 Develop deep and liquid financial markets to enable governments and private firms to raise long-term financing in local currency, thereby reducing the over dependence on bank finance and limiting the risks of financial crisis;

1.2.4 Adopt and implement existing standards of disclosure and dissemination of economic and financial information; and

1.2.5 Adopt prudential measures to mitigate the effects of sudden shifts in short-term capital flows.

1.3 Promote liberalisation of the financial services sector.

1.3.1 Intensify deregulation of the financial services sector; and

1.3.2 Intensify negotiations of financial sector liberalisation under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS).

1.4 Intensify cooperation in money, tax and insurance matters.

1.4.1 Study the feasibility of establishing an ASEAN currency and exchange rate system;

1.4.2 Establish an ASEAN Tax Training Institute by 2003;

1.4.3 Enhance the role of "ASEAN Re Corporation Limited" as a vehicle to further promote regional cooperation in reinsurance business; and

1.4.4 Establish an ASEAN Insurance Training and Research Institute by 2003.

1.5 Develop ASEAN Capital Markets.

1.5.1 Adopt and implement internationally accepted practices and standards by the year 2003, and where appropriate at a later date especially for the new Member Countries;

1.5.2 Establish a set of minimum standards for listing rules, procedures and requirements by 2003;

1.5.3 Coordinate supervision of and programmes to strengthen capital markets;

1.5.4 Improve corporate governance, transparency and disclosure;

1.5.5 Develop a mechanism for cross-listing of SMEs among ASEAN capital markets by 2003, and where appropriate at a later date for the new Member Countries;

1.5.6 Facilitate cross-border capital flows and investments;

1.5.7 Facilitate clearing and settlement systems within ASEAN;

1.5.8 Promote securitisation in ASEAN;

1.5.9 Foster collaborative and cooperative networks among capital market research and training centres in Member States;

1.5.10 Prepare the framework to develop bond markets in ASEAN by 2000; and

1.5.11 Promote networking among development banks in Member States for financing of productive projects.

II. ENHANCE GREATER ECONOMIC INTEGRATION

To create a stable, prosperous and highly competitive ASEAN Economic Region in which there is a free flow of goods, services and investments, a freer flow of capital, equitable economic development and reduced poverty and socio-economic disparities.

2.1 Accelerate the implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA).

2.1.1 Trade liberalisation

1. Maximise the number of tariff lines whose CEPT tariff rates shall be reduced to 0-5% by the year 2000 (2003 for Vietnam and 2005 for Laos and Myanmar);

2. Maximise the number of tariff lines whose CEPT tariff rates shall be reduced to 0% by the year 2003 (2006 for Vietnam and 2008 for Laos and Myanmar); and

3. Expand the coverage of the CEPT Inclusion List by shortening the Temporary Exclusion List, Sensitive List and General Exception List.

2.1.2 Customs harmonisation

1. Enhance trade facilitation in customs by simplifying customs procedures, expanding the Green Lane to cover all ASEAN products and implementing an ASEAN Harmonised Tariff Nomenclature by the year 2000;

2. Promote transparency, consistency and uniformity in the classification of goods traded within ASEAN and enhance trade facilitation through the provision of facilities for obtaining pre-entry classification rulings/decisions at national and regional levels by the year 2003;

3. Promote the use of transparent, consistent and uniform valuation methods and rulings through the implementation of the WTO Valuation Agreement by the year 2000;

4. Operationalise and strengthen regional guidelines on mutual assistance by the year 2003 to ensure the proper application of customs laws, within the competence of the customs administrations and subject to their national laws;

5. Fully operationalise the ASEAN Customs Training Network by the year 2000; and

6. Undertake customs reform and modernisation, in particular to implement risk management and post-importation audit by the year 2003.

2.1.3 Standards and conformity assessment

1. Harmonise product standards through alignment with international standards for products in priority sectors by the year 2000 and for regulated products by the year 2005;

2. Implement the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) by developing sectoral MRAs in priority areas beginning in 1999; and

3. Enhance the technical infrastructure and competency in laboratory testing, calibration, certification and accreditation by the year 2005, based on internationally-accepted procedures and guides; and

4. Strengthen information networking on standards and technical regulation through the use of, among others, the Internet, with the aim of meeting the requirements of the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade and WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures.

2.1.4 Other trade facilitation activities

1. Establish a mechanism of information exchange and disclosure requirements to promote transparency of government procurement regimes by the year 2003 to facilitate participation of ASEAN nationals and companies;

2. Establish contact points in 1999 to facilitate ongoing exchange of the above information;

3. Encourage the liberalisation of government procurement;

4. Establish a mechanism of information exchange by 2003 to promote transparency of each domestic regulatory regime by publishing annual reports detailing actions taken by ASEAN Member States to deregulate their domestic regimes; and

5. Encourage the increased use of regional currencies for intra-ASEAN trade transactions.

2.2 Implement the Framework Agreement on ASEAN Investment Area (AIA).

The ASEAN Investment Area aims to enhance the competitiveness of the region for attracting higher and sustainable levels of direct investment flows into and within ASEAN. Three broad-based programmes of action shall form the thrust of the AIA arrangement. These are Cooperation and Facilitation, Promotion and Awareness, and Liberalisation Programme. These programmes shall be implemented through individual and collective action plans, within the agreed schedules and timetable. The ASEAN Investment Area is to be realised through implementing, among others, the following key measures:

1. Immediately extend national treatment and open up all industries for investments. However, for some exceptions, as specified in the Temporary Exclusion List and the Sensitive List, these will be progressively liberalised to all ASEAN investors by 2010 or earlier and to all investors by 2020 in accordance with the provisions of the Framework Agreement on AIA;

2. Identify and progressively eliminate restrictive investment measures;

3. Liberalise rules, regulations and policies relating to investment; rules on licensing conditions; rules relating to access to domestic finance; and rules to facilitate payment, receipts and repatriation of profits by investors;

4. Complete implementation of all the measures and activities identified in the Schedule 1 of "Cooperation and Facilitation Programme" under the AIA Agreement by 2010 or earlier;

5. Complete implementation of all the measures and activities identified in the Schedule II of "Promotion and Awareness Programme" under the AIA Agreement by 2010 or earlier;

6. Improve and enhance the measures and activities of the Cooperation and Facilitation, and Promotion and Awareness Programmes to further strengthen the implementation process of the AIA arrangement;

7. Undertake active and high profile joint investment promotion activities to promote greater awareness of investment opportunities in ASEAN to global and regional investors. This shall include, among others, joint publications of investment and business information as well as databases and statistics;

8. Promote freer flow of capital, skilled labour, professionals and technology among ASEAN Member States;

9. Work towards establishing a comparable approach of FDI data collection, measurement and reporting among the Member States;

10. Undertake activities to increase transparency of investment regimes of Member States; and

11. Identify areas for technical cooperation in human resource development, R&D, infrastructure development, SME and supporting industry development, information and industrial technology development.

2.3 Liberalise Trade in Services.

The ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services will strengthen service suppliers and introduce more competition into this large and important sector of ASEAN Member's States and open new doors for service suppliers in the region.

2.3.1 Liberalisation

1. Progressively liberalise trade in services by initiating a new round of negotiations beginning 1999 and ending 2001;

2. Expand the scope of negotiations in services beyond the seven priority sectors, identified at the Fifth ASEAN Summit, to cover all services sectors and all modes of supply;

3. Seek to accelerate the liberalisation of trade in services through the adoption of alternative approaches to liberalisation; and

4. Accelerate the free flow of professional and other services in the region.

2.3.2 Facilitation

1. Encourage the free exchange of information and views among professional bodies in the region with the view to achieving mutual recognition arrangements;

2. Conduct an impact study by the year 2000 on the removal of transport, travel and telecommunication barriers in ASEAN; and

3. Develop standard classification and categorisation of tourism products and services to facilitate the region's implementation of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS).

2.3.3 Cooperation

1. Strengthen and enhance existing cooperation efforts in service sectors through such means as establishing or improving infrastructure facilities, joint production, marketing and purchasing arrangements, research and development and exchange of information;

2. Develop cooperation activities in new sectors that are not covered by existing cooperation arrangements; and

3. Cooperate to harmonise entry regulations with regard to commercial presence.

2.4 Enhance food security and global competitiveness of ASEAN's food, agriculture and forestry products.

ASEAN would strive to provide adequate levels of food supply and food accessibility within ASEAN during instances of food shortages to ensure food security and at the same time, enhance the competitiveness of its food, agriculture and forestry sectors through developing appropriate  technologies to increase productivity and by promoting intra- and extra–ASEAN trade and greater private sector investment in the food, agriculture and forestry sector.

2.4.1 Strengthen food security arrangements in the region.

1. Enhance ASEAN food security statistical database and information by establishing an ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS) which would allow Member States to effectively forecast, plan and manage food supplies and utilisation of basic commodities;

2. Develop a Common Framework to analyse and review the regional food trade policies in the light of the AFTA, and to enhance intra-ASEAN food trade by undertaking a study on the long-term supply and demand prospects of major food commodities (rice, corn, soybean, sugar, pulses and oilseeds) in ASEAN;

3. Strengthen the food marketing system of agricultural cooperatives for enhancing food security in ASEAN; and

4. Review the Agreement on the ASEAN Emergency Rice Reserve (AERR) to realise effective cross-supply arrangements of food during times of emergency.

2.4.2 Develop and Adopt Existing and New Technologies.

1. Conduct collaborative research to develop new/improved technologies in food, agriculture and forestry production, post-harvest and processing activities and sharing of research results and available technology;

2. Conduct R&D in critical areas to reduce the cost of inputs for food, agriculture and forestry production; and

3. Strengthen programmes in food, agriculture and agro-forestry technology transfer, training and extension to increase productivity.

2.4.3 Enhance the Marketability of ASEAN Food, Agriculture and Forestry Products/Commodities.

1. Develop, harmonise and adopt quality standards and regulations for food, agriculture and forestry products;

2. Promote diversification of forest products; and

3. Promote and implement training programmes and share and exchange expertise in the field of food, agriculture and forestry.

2.4.4 Enhance Private Sector Involvement.

1. Conduct a study to identify high-impact investment opportunities in key areas under the food, agriculture and forestry sectors in ASEAN and to provide essential information for investment decisions on these opportunities; and

2. Establish networking and strategic alliances with the private sector to promote investment and joint venture opportunities in ASEAN.

2.4.5 Enhance ASEAN Cooperation and Joint Approaches in International and Regional Issues.

1. Strengthen ASEAN's cooperation and joint approaches in addressing issues and problems affecting trade in the region's food, agriculture and forestry products including environment and labour issues; and

2. Seek closer cooperation and negotiate, through relevant ASEAN bodies, with trading partners on market access for ASEAN products

2.4.6 Promote Capacity Building and Human Resources Development.

1. Promote and implement training programmes in the field of food, agriculture and forestry, including the exchange of experts; and

2. Develop and strengthen agricultural rural communities through enhanced human resource development.

2.5 Intensify industrial cooperation.

1. Expedite the implementation of AICO.

2. Establish a Directory of Major ASEAN Manufacturing Companies;

3. Explore the merits of common competition policy;

4. Increase value-added contribution of ASEAN Manufacturing Sector;

5. Explore/develop other areas of cooperation that has not been covered under the existing arrangement; and

6. Establish R&D/ Skill Development Centres.

2.6 Foster small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Recognising that small and medium scale enterprises constitute the majority of industrial enterprises in ASEAN and that they play a  significant role in the overall economic development of Member States, ASEAN needs to cooperate in order to develop a modern, dynamic, competitive and efficient SME sector. The SME cooperation will address priority areas of human resource development, information dissemination, access to technology and technology sharing, finance and market. The SME cooperation will also ensure the development and implementation of non-discriminatory market-oriented policies in ASEAN that will provide a more favourable environment for SME development.

2.6.1 Facilitation

1. Encourage Member States to establish national export financing/credit guarantee schemes for SMEs;

2. Explore the possibility of establishing regional export financing/credit guarantee scheme;

3. Explore the possibility of establishing an ASEAN Investment Fund for SME; and

4. Explore the possibility of establishing a trade or industrial cooperation scheme to promote intra-ASEAN cooperation for SMEs.

2.6.2 Cooperation

1. Compile Member States' SME policies and best practices in selected   sectors to enhance mutual understanding and possible adoption;

2. Compile and provide information to SMEs on policies and opportunities including electronic media such as the Internet websites;

3. Promote information networking between existing SME-related organisations in ASEAN;

4. Promote awareness among SMEs on benefits and availability of other sources of finance such as venture-capital and equity;

5. Enhance interactions between Government Sector Institutions (GSI) and Private Sector Institutions (PSI) on SME development by convening biennial GSI/PSI conference;

6. Undertake selected sectoral regional study on the potential areas of finance, market, production technology and management for possible trade and industrial cooperation between/among SMEs in the region;

7. Organise annual ASEAN match-making workshops to promote SME joint-ventures and linkages between SMEs and LSEs;

8. Organise annual joint ASEAN trade promotion activities/trade exposition;

9. Encourage national venture-capital company to go regional;

10. Organise annual meetings of all national Credit Guarantee Corporations (CGC) in ASEAN;

11. Harness the capacity of non-ASEAN SMEs as a source of technology to ASEAN SMEs;

12. Organise biennial ASEAN technology exposition;

13. Organise regular joint training programmes, seminars and workshops for SMEs;

14. Compile and publish a directory of resource persons in ASEAN in the area of production technology and management;

15. Develop programmes on entrepreneurship development and innovation in all Member States; and

16. Assist new members of ASEAN on SME development through specialised training programmes and technical assistance.

2.7 Further intellectual property cooperation.

To ensure adequate and effective protection, including legislation, administration and enforcement, of intellectual property rights in the region based on the principles of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) treatment, national treatment and transparency as set out in the TRIPS Agreement.

2.7.1 Protection

1. Strengthen civil and administrative procedures and remedies against infringement of intellectual property rights and relevant legislation; and

2. Provide and expand technical cooperation in relation to areas such as patent search and examination, computerisation and human resource development for the implementation of the TRIPS Agreement;

2.7.2 Facilitation

1. Deepen Intellectual Property policy exchange among ASEAN Member States;

2. Survey the current status of intellectual property rights protection in each ASEAN Member State with a view to studying measures, including development principles, for the effective enforcement of intellectual property rights;

3. Develop a contact point list of public and business/private sector experts on intellectual property rights and a list of law enforcement officers, the latter list for the purpose of establishing a network to prevent cross-border flow of counterfeits;

4. Exchange information on well-known marks as a first step in examining the possibility of establishing a region-wide trademark system;

5. Exchange information on current intellectual property rights administrative systems with a view to simplifying and standardising administrative systems throughout the region;

6. Ensure that intellectual property legislation conform to the TRIPS Agreement of the World Trade Organisation through the review of intellectual property laws and introduction of TRIPS-consistent laws. This would begin with a comprehensive review of existing legislation to be completed by the year 2000; and

7. Strengthen intellectual property administration by setting up an ASEAN electronic database by the year 2004 on patents, designs, geographical indications, trademarks and information on copyright and layout design of integrated circuits.

2.7.3 Cooperation

1. Implement an ASEAN Regional Trademark and Patent Filing System by the year 2000;

2. Establish an ASEAN Regional Fund for Trademark and Patent by the year 2000;

3. Finalise and implement an ASEAN Common Form for Trade Mark and Patent Applications;

4. Establish a regional trademark and patent registration system; or establish a regional trademark or patent office (on voluntary basis);

5. Promote accession of Member States to international treaties;

6. Promote Intellectual Property public and private sector awareness;

7. Introduce Intellectual Property as a subject in the curriculum of higher learning institutions;

8. Develop training programmes for Intellectual Property officials; and

9. Enhance intellectual property enforcement and protection through establishing mechanisms for the dissemination of information on ASEAN intellectual property administration, registration and infringement; facilitating interaction among legal and judicial bodies through seminars, etc.; facilitating networking among intellectual enforcement agencies; encouraging bilateral/plurilateral arrangements on mutual protection and joint cooperation in enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights.

2.8 Encourage electronic commerce.

2.8.1 Create policy and legislative environment to facilitate cross-border Electronic Commerce;

2.8.2 Ensure the coordination and adoption of framework and standards for cross-border Electronic Commerce, which is in line with international standards and practices; and

2.8.3 Encourage technical cooperation and technology transfer among Member States in the development of Electronic Commerce infrastructure, applications and services.

2.9 Promote ASEAN tourism.

2.9.1 Launch the Visit ASEAN Millennium Year as the catalytic focus for the first plan of action;

2.9.2 Conduct Strategic Studies for Joint Marketing of the ASEAN Region in the 21st Century, and the convening of Top-level Tourism Marketing Missions to promote the region;

2.9.3 Develop a Website/Information Database on relevant tourism statistical data and other related information within the ASEAN Secretariat by the beginning of the year 2000;

2.9.4 Establish a Network among ASEAN Tourism Training Centres with emphasis on new job skills and new technologies by 2001 in tourism policy and planning;

2.9.5 Develop trainer and training material database for ASEAN to be completed by 2001;

2.9.6 Conduct Eco-Tourism Promotion Programmes for Travel Trade and Consumers;

2.9.7 Complete cruise tourism development study in ASEAN by the year 2000.

2.9.8 Encourage the establishment of the ASEAN Lane for facilitating intra-ASEAN travel;

2.9.9 Increase the use of the Internet or other electronic global distribution systems in the ASEAN travel industry; and

2.9.10 Launch the ASEAN Tourism Investment Guide in 1999.

2.10 Develop regional infrastructure.

To intensify cooperation in the development of highly efficient and quality infrastructure, and in the promotion and progressive liberalisation of these services sectors:

2.10.1 Transport

1. Develop the Trans-ASEAN transportation network by the year 2000 as the trunkline or main corridor for the movement of goods and people in ASEAN, consisting of major road (interstate highway) and railway networks, principal ports and sea lanes for maritime traffic, inland waterway transport and major civil aviation links;

2. Operationalise the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Goods in Transit by year 2000. For this purpose, its implementing Protocols will be finalised and concluded by December 1999;

3. Target the conclusion and operationalisation of the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Inter-State Transport by the year 2000;

4. Implement the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Multimodal Transport;

5. Develop a Maritime/Shipping Policy for ASEAN to cover, among others, transhipment, enhancing the competitiveness of ASEAN ports, further liberalisation of maritime transport services, and the integration of maritime transport in the intermodal and logistics chain;

6. Adopt harmonised standards and regulations with regard to vehicle specifications (e.g. width, length, height and weight), axle load limits, maximum weights and pollution or emission standards;

7. Institute the policy framework and modalities by the year 2000 for the development of a Competitive Air Services Policy which may be a gradual step towards an Open Sky Policy in ASEAN; and

8. Develop and implement the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link and the ASEAN Highway Network Projects.

2.10.2 Telecommunications

1. Achieve the interoperability and interconnectivity of the National Information Infrastructures (NIIs) of Member States by the year 2010;

2. Develop and implement an ASEAN Plan of Action on Regional Broadband Interconnectivity by the year 2000; and

3. Intensify cooperation in ensuring seamless roaming of telecommunications services (i.e., wireless communications) within the region, as well as in facilitating intra-ASEAN trade in telecommunications equipment and services.

2.10.3 Energy

1. Ensure security and sustainability of energy supply, efficient utilisation of natural energy resource in the region and the rational management of energy demand, with due consideration of the environment; and

2. Institute the policy framework and implementation modalities by 2004 for the early realization of the trans-ASEAN energy networks covering the ASEAN Power Grid and the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline Projects as a more focused continuation of the Medium-Term Programme of Action (1995-1999).

2.10.4 Water utility

1. Cooperate on a regular basis, exchange of information, knowledge, and experiences among Member States as means to improve water resources management and water supply system within the region; and

2. Support the development of Trans-ASEAN land and submarine pipeline for conveyance of raw water between ASEAN Member States.

2.11 Further development of growth areas.

To narrow the gap in the level of development among Member States and to reduce poverty and socio-economic disparities in the region.

2.11.1 Actively expedite the implementation and further development of growth areas such as the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), Indonesia-Malaysia-Singapore Growth Triangle (IMS-GT), Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), and the inter-state areas along the West-East Corridor (WEC) of Mekong Basin in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and North-eastern Thailand within the ASEAN-Mekong Basin Development Cooperation Scheme.

2.11.2 Facilitate the economic integration of the new Members into ASEAN.

III. PROMOTE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND DEVELOP INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE

3.1 Establish the ASEAN Information Infrastructure (AII).

3.1.1 Forge agreements among Member Countries on the design, standardization, inter-connection and inter-operability of Information Technology systems by 2001.

3.1.2 Ensure the protection of intellectual property rights and consumer rights.

3.2 Develop the information content of the AII by 2004.

3.3 Establish networks of science & techonology centres of excellence and academic institutions by 2001.

3.4 Intensify research & development (R&D) in applications of strategic and enabling technologies.

3.5 Establish a technology scan mechanism and institutionalise a system of science & technology indicators by 2001.

3.6 Develop innovative systems for programme management and revenue generation to support ASEAN science and technology.

3.7 Promote greater public and private sector collaboration in science and technology, particularly in information technology.

3.8 Undertake studies on the evolution of new working conditions and living environments resulting from widespread use of information technology by 2001.

IV. PROMOTE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND ADDRESS THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF THE FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC CRISIS

4.1 Strive to mitigate the social impact of the regional financial and economic crisis.

4.2 Implement the Plan of Action on ASEAN Rural Development and Poverty   Eradication and, in view of the financial and economic crisis, implement the ASEAN Plan of Action on Social Safety Nets to ensure that measures are taken to protect the most vulnerable sectors of our societies.

4.3 Use the ASEAN Foundation to support activities and social development programmes aimed at addressing issues of unequal economic development, poverty and socio-economic disparities.

4.4 Implement the ASEAN Plan of Action for Children which provides for the framework for ensuring the survival, protection and development of children.

4.5 Strengthen ASEAN collaboration in combating the trafficking in, and crimes of violence against, women and children.

4.6 Enhance the capacity of the family and community to care for the elderly and the disabled.

4.7 Strengthen the ASEAN Regional Aids Information and Reference Network.

4.8 Enhance exchange of information in the field of human rights among ASEAN Countries in order to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms of all peoples in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.

4.9 Work towards the full implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women and other international instruments concerning women and children.

4.10 Strengthen regional capacity to address transnational crime.

4.11 Implement the ASEAN Work Programme to Operationalise the ASEAN Plan of Action on Drug Abuse Control by 2004, and continue developing and implementing high-profile flagship programmes on drug abuse control, particularly those related to prevention education for youth, and treatment and rehabilitation.

V. PROMOTE HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

5.1 Strengthen the ASEAN University Network and move forward the process  of transforming it into the ASEAN University.

5.2 Strengthen the education systems in Member Countries by 2001 so that all groups of people, including the disadvantaged, can have equal access to basic, general and higher education.

5.3 Implement the ASEAN Work Programme on Informal Sector Development to provide opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship.

5.4 Implement the ASEAN Work Programme on Skills Training for Out-of-School Youth by 2004, to strengthen their capacity to obtain gainful employment.

5.5 Strengthen regional networking of HRD centres of excellence and develop the regional capacity for HRD planning and labour market monitoring.

5.6 Establish and strengthen networks in education and training, particularly those promoting occupational safety and health, skills training for out-of-school youth, distance education by 2004.

5.7 Intensify efforts of the ASEAN Network for Women in Skills Training to enhance the capacity of disadvantaged women to enter the work force.

5.8 Begin to implement the ASEAN Science and Technology Human Resource Programme addressing the needs of industry and business by 2000.

5.9 Implement regional training programmes for ASEAN Civil Service Officers and strengthen networks among ASEAN Civil Service Commissions.

5.10 Establish networks of professional accreditation bodies to promote regional mobility and mutual recognition of technical and professional credentials and skills standards, beginning in 1999.

VI. PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT AND PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

6.1 Fully implement the ASEAN Cooperation Plan on Transboundary Pollution with particular emphasis on the Regional Haze Action Plan by the year 2001.

6.2 Strengthen the ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Centre with emphasis on the ability to monitor forest and land fires and provide early warning on transboundary haze by the year 2001.

6.3 Establish the ASEAN Regional Research and Training Centre for Land and Forest Fire Management by the year 2004.

6.4 Strengthen the ASEAN Regional Centre for Biodiversity Conservation by establishing networks of relevant institutions and implement collaborative training and research activities by the year 2001.

6.5 Promote regional coordination for the protection of the ASEAN Heritage Parks and Reserves.

6.6 Develop a framework and improve regional coordination for the integrated protection and management of coastal zones by the year 2001.

6.7 Strengthen institutional and legal capacities to implement Agenda 21 and other international environmental agreements by the year 2001.

6.8 Harmonise the environmental databases of Member Countries by the year 2001.

6.9 Implement an ASEAN regional water conservation programme by the year 2001.

6.10 Establish a regional centre or network for the promotion of environmentally sound technologies by the year 2004.

6.11 Formulate and adopt an ASEAN Protocol on access to genetic resources by the year 2004.

6.12 Develop a Regional Action Plan for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based and Sea-based Activities by the year 2004.

6.13 Implement the Framework to Achieve Long-Term Environmental Goals for Ambient Air and River Water Qualities for ASEAN Countries.

6.14 Enhance regional efforts in addressing climatic change.

6.15 Enhance public information and education in awareness of and participation in environmental and sustainable development issues.

VII. STRENGTHEN REGIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY

7.1 Consolidate and strengthen ASEAN’s solidarity, cohesiveness and harmony by strengthening national and regional resilience through enhanced cooperation and mutual assistance to further promote Southeast Asia as a Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality.

7.2. Promote coherent and comprehensive programmes of bilateral and regional cooperation and technical assistance to ASEAN member states to strengthen their integration into the community of Southeast Asian nations.

7.3 Ratify the Second Protocol of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) as soon as possible.

7.4 Encourage and facilitate the accession by ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners and other interested countries to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation with a view to developing the TAC into a code of conduct governing relations between Southeast Asian States and those outside the region.

7.5 Formulate draft rules of procedure for the operations of the High Council as envisioned in TAC.

7.6 Encourage greater efforts towards the resolution of outstanding problems of boundaries delimitation between ASEAN member states.

7.7 Ensure border security and facilitate safe and convenient border crossings.

7.8 Encourage Member Countries to cooperate in resolving border-related problems and other matters with security implications between ASEAN member countries.

7.9 Promote efforts to secure acceptance by Nuclear Weapon States of the Treaty on Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ), including their early accession to the Protocol to the SEANWFZ Treaty.

7.10 Convene the Commission for SEANWFZ Treaty to oversee the implementation of the Treaty and ensure compliance with its provisions.

7.11 Support and participate actively in all efforts to achieve the objectives of general and complete disarmament, especially the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.

7.12 Encourage ASEAN Member Countries parties to a dispute to engage in friendly negotiation and use the bilateral and regional processes of  peaceful settlement of dispute or other procedures provided for in the U.N. Charter.

7.13 Enhance efforts to settle disputes in the South China Sea through peaceful means among the parties concerned in accordance with universally recognized international law, including the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.

7.14 Continue efforts to promote confidence-building measures in the South China Sea between and among parties concerned.

7.15 Encourage all other parties concerned to subscribe to the ASEAN Declaration on the South China Sea.

7.16 Promote efforts to establish a regional code of conduct in the South China Sea among the parties directly concerned.

7.17 Intensify intra-ASEAN security cooperation through existing mechanisms among foreign affairs and defense officials.

VIII. ENHANCE ASEAN’S ROLE AS AN EFFECTIVE FORCE FOR PEACE, JUSTICE, AND  MODERATION IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC AND IN THE WORLD

8.1 Maintain ASEAN’s chairmanship in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) process.

8.2 Undertake, actively and energetically, measures to strengthen ASEAN’s role as the primary driving force in the ARF, including directing the ASEAN Secretary-General to provide the necessary support and services to the ASC Chairman in coordinating ARF activities.

8.3 Formulate initiatives to advance, on a consensus basis and at a pace comfortable to all, the ARF process from its current emphasis on confidence-building to promoting preventive diplomacy.

8.4 Promote public awareness of the ARF process and the need for ASEAN’s role as the primary driving force in respective ASEAN Member Countries.

8.5 Continue the involvement of ASEAN defense and security officials together with foreign affairs officials in ARF activities.

8.6 Develop a set of basic principles based on TAC as an instrument for promoting cooperative peace in the Asia-Pacific region.

8.7 Enhance consultation and coordination of ASEAN positions at the United Nations and other international fora.

8.8 Revitalize ASEAN’s relations with Dialogue Partners on the basis of equality, non-discrimination and mutual benefit.

IX. PROMOTE ASEAN AWARENESS AND ITS STANDING IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

9.1 Support the activities of the ASEAN Foundation and other available resources and mechanisms to promote ASEAN awareness among its people.

9.2 Launch, within ASEAN’s existing resources, a concerted communications programme to promote ASEAN’s standing in the international community and strengthen confidence in ASEAN as an ideal place for investment, trade and tourism.

9.3 Establish and operate an ASEAN satellite channel by year 2000.

9.4 Provide and disseminate materials on ASEAN’s efforts to cope with the financial and economic crisis.

9.5 Publicise ASEAN’s HPA priorities through ASEAN’s external mechanisms with its Dialogue Partners.

9.6 Develop linkages with mass media networks and websites on key areas of ASEAN cooperation to disseminate regular and timely information on ASEAN.

9.7 Prepare and adopt an ASEAN Declaration on Cultural Heritage by year 2000.

9.8 Mount professional productions of ASEAN performances and exhibitions within and outside ASEAN and provide adequate mass media coverage on such activities.

9.9 Organize art and cultural immersion camps and exchange programmes for the youth and encourage their travel to other ASEAN Member Countries.

9.10 Establish an ASEAN Multi-Media Centre by the year 2001 to conduct professional training programmes and provide production facilities and services for mass media and communication practitioners.

X. IMPROVE ASEAN’S STRUCTURES AND MECHANISMS

10.1 Review ASEAN’s overall organisational structure in order to further improve its efficiency and effectiveness, taking into account the expansion of ASEAN activities, the enlargement of ASEAN membership, and the regional situation.

10.2 Review and streamline ASEAN external relations mechanisms with its Dialogue Partners, regional organisations and other economic groupings.

10.3 Review the role, functions and capacity of the ASEAN Secretariat to meet the increasing demands of ASEAN and to support the implementation of the Hanoi Plan of Action.