ASEAN keen for feedback from South East Asian businesses on economic integration

South East Asian private companies are expected to more actively engage in the region's economic integration process, according to ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General Pushpanathan Sundram.

"We have provided several channels for ASEAN public officials and private sectors, such as regular consultations and business dialogues with industry associations and business councils from ASEANand partner countries," he said during his presentation at the ASEAN Trade Facilitation Forum in Manado, Indonesia.

He explained that it was important for ASEAN to pay close attention to responses and feedback from the private sector on the implementation of measures stipulated in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) blueprint.