Consider the following countries:

1. Australia
2. Canada
3. China
4. India
5. Japan
6. USA

Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]

(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5

(b) 3, 4, 5 and 6

(c) 1, 3, 4 and 5

(d) 2, 3, 4 and 6

Answer: (c)        

Explanation:

• ASEAN, which stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, consists of ten member countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
• Established on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, ASEAN aims to foster economic, political, and security collaboration among its member nations.
• In addition to its member countries, ASEAN has formed free trade agreements (FTAs) with six Dialogue Partners. These partners include China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand.
• These FTAs serve to enhance trade and economic relations between ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners.