Leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will push for more engagement with the private sector to narrow the gap among their countries as the bloc strives toward a common market by the end of this year, according to a draft declaration set to be adopted by the leaders at a summit later this month.
Leaders from the 10 member countries of ASEAN are expected to meet in Kuala Lumpur for their annual summit on April 26 before heading to the northern island resort of Langkawi for an informal gathering the next day.
Malaysia plays host at a crucial juncture in ASEAN developments as this year marks the deadline for the formal establishment of the ASEAN Community, a project which entails closer integration through political security, and closer economic and sociocultural relations.