ASEAN met with the United States in Washington D.C., USA on 9-11 March 1982 for its Fourth dialogue.
The Meeting discussed cooperation in Trade, including GSP, market access, GATT matters and Textiles; Commodities; Investment; Finance; Energy; Agriculture; Science and Technology; the Control of Dangerous Drugs, Culture; Education and Training and Shipping.
On Trade and Commodities, ASEAN expressed serious concern on the possible adverse effects of the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) on ASEAN exports to the U.S. ASEAN also expressed strong concern with regard to GSA release of tin into the world market. The U.S. expressed the view that ASEAN exports to the U.S. were unlikely to be affected in any significant measures by the CBI and in this connection assured that it is willing to consult with ASEAN if specific trade problems arise as a result of the CBI. The U.S. further stressed the importance it attaches to its economic and political relations with the countries of ASEAN. With regard to tin, the U.S. explained that GSA is directed to avoid disruption of markets in its stockpile disposal program to the maximum extent feasible. The U.S. offered to hold special consultations with ASEAN with regard to this matter. ASEAN and the U.S. also discussed specific issues affecting the access of ASEAN exports into the U.S. market, the U.S. GSP, MTN matters, and trade promotion.
On Investment and Finance, the U.S. stated that it understood and supported the economic development objectives underlying ASEAN proposals for cooperation and agreed to give serious consideration to them. The U.S., at the same time, pointed to the programs of several U.S. government agencies in the ASEAN region in support of US investments.
On Energy, ASEAN and the U.S. signed the Second ASEAN-US Cooperation Agreement in Energy. The Agreement provides for one million dollars for assistance in coal/lignite substitution, energy conservation, and research and development. of new and renewable energy technology.
With regard to Agriculture, the U.S. indicated that it would welcome further cooperation in the agricultural field at an opportune time and after evaluating current projects. It guaranteed, however, the funding of agreed and on-going projects, in spite of current budget constraints. The on-going projects in this area includes the Agricultural Development Planning Center (ADPC), the ASEAN Plant Quarantine Project, the Watershed Management Conservation Programme.
In the field of Science and Technology, the U.S. is still considering how to respond to the ASEAN proposals. The U.S. has, however, indicated that the U.S. alone could not undertake supporting these projects and suggested that ASEAN consider submitting these proposal to other countries or organizations. The proposals are in the area of tidal phenomena and oceanography.
In the area of Education and Training, the U.S. stated that its response to new proposals from ASEAN in this field will be affected by requests for more funds for current programs. The U.S. stated that it prefers to increase funding for existing and successful projects before embarking on new ones. The U.S. also informed that it intends to continue cooperation with ASEAN in the control of narcotics and dangerous drugs.
In the field of Culture, the U.S. proposed that
ASEAN economic writers be invited to the United
States to meet American economic leaders. The
proposal is intended to promote better understanding
of the U.S. private sector and of U.S. trade and
investment relations with ASEAN. The ASEAN
proposals were for technical assistance in film
production and information exchange on films.
For more information, please refer to the project details
