ASEAN Trade Ministers met the U.S. Trade Representative in Manila in April 1984. The joint communique acknowledged the important role that each side could play for current and future economic growth. Both sides agreed to work closely on bilateral issues which includes the extension of the US GSP scheme and the US textile policy.
The Fifth ASEAN - US Dialogue was convened in Manila in December 1983. Both sides exchanged views on international economic issues and cooperation between ASEAN and the United States.
On US - GSP, ASEAN expressed the hope that the scheme would be extended for another ten years. In addition ASEAN called for improvement and expansion of its product coverage.
On the new International Sugar Agreement (ISA), the US agreed to encourage EC's. participation which ASEAN considered crucial for ISA to be effective. Regarding the International Natural Rubber Agreement, the US assured ASEAN that it was willing to consider and analyze all economic data relating to producers' desires to adjust the price levels upward before deciding to participate.
A notable development in the area of commodities was the signing of the ASEAN - United States Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tin. The MOU provided an element of predictability in the disposal of surplus tin from the strategic stockpile of the United States General Services Administration. ASEAN expressed the hope that the arrangements on tin worked out with the United States could be improved upon in the future.
On the question of the Common Fund, ASEAN urged the United States to ratify the Agreement so as to enable the Fund to come into operation as early as possible.
At the Fifth ASEAN - Dialogue, a Letter of Intent on the ASEAN Small Business Improvement Project was signed. A sum of US$ 1.8 million was committed for this project. The project, when implemented, would provide assistance for technology transfer and commercial linkages between ASEAN and the United States business sector, training for ASEAN businessmen, and practical research and studies on the ASEAN Small and Medium Business Sector. Subsequently three Memoranda of Understanding were signed between US AID and the Asian Institute of Management, Philippines, Technonet Asia, and the Institute of South East Asian Studies, Singapore.
A Conference on Energy Conservation In Building was held in Singapore in May 1984. The Conference was attended by ASEAN officials and the private sector as well as US experts. On coal technology training, the US had agreed to the extension of the project.
US assistance was also extended to cooperation in drug and narcotics control.
For more information, please refer to the project details
