Fifty years on, S-E Asia emerges as a global growth leader

Singapore

THE Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has much to crow about as it marks its 50th anniversary: economic and social progress, a manufacturing powerhouse and relative political stability.

The 10 Asean members boast of some of the world's fastest-expanding economies like the Philippines and Vietnam, with growth rates of more than 6 per cent. With a combined population of over 620 million and an economy of US$2.6 trillion, the investment potential is huge and by 2020, the region will have the world's fifth largest economy, the World Economic Forum predicts.