The ASEAN economic ministers on April 23 signed the ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement (ATISA). The signing ceremony was held within the framework of the 25th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM)’s Retreat, which took place in Phuket from April 22-23.

Free flow of trade in services is one of the important elements in realising ASEAN Economic Community, where there will be substantially no restriction to ASEAN services suppliers in providing services and in establishing companies across national borders within the region, subject to domestic regulations. Liberalisation of services has been carried out through rounds of negotiation mainly under the Coordinating Committee on Services.

The goal of the ASEAN Economic Community is to establish ASEAN as a single market and production base that will make ASEAN more dynamic and competitive. In this context, one of the five core elements of an ASEAN single market and production base is the free flow of investments. A free and open investment regime is key to enhancing ASEAN’s competitiveness and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) as well as intra-ASEAN investment. Sustained inflows of investments will promote and ensure the dynamic development of ASEAN.

Free Flow of Goods Free flow of goods is one of the principal means by which the aims of a single market and production base can be achieved. A single market for goods (and services) will also facilitate the development of production networks in the region and enhance ASEAN’s capacity to serve as a global production centre or as a part of the global supply chain.

The ASEAN Protocol on Enhancing Dispute Settlement Mechanism (hereinafter referred to as EDSM) was signed by ASEAN countries on November 29, 2004 and took effect from the date of signing. The EDSM consists of 21 Articles and 2 Annexes