ASEAN’s organization and structure : 

Its full name is, Association of South-East Asian Nations. This organization was founded on August 8, 1967, with the aim of regional cooperation in the form of a non-military group. In the beginning, there were five countries in it: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Organization of ASEAN : 

Among the member nations of ASEAN- Myanmar, Brunei, Thailand Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Kampuchea, India, Vietnam and Phillippines are included. In the beginning, India was considered a partial collaborator. On July 24, 1996 India became the dialogue partner. China and Russia also joined the organisation in the same capacity. Its headquarter is in Jakarta (Indonesia), and its head is its Secretary General. Secretary general is elected for two years. As the helping institution to ASEAN, ARF has 23 members including America, Russia, India, China, Japan, etc.

Nature and aims of ASEAN : 

Some challenges of ASEAN member countries are similar and to face these challenges, this organization came into being. Before these countries, increasing population, poverty, economic exploitation, insecurity etc. Eire similar challenges, whose solution is possible through mutual regional cooperation. The main aim of the formation of ASEAN is to give impetus to economic development in south east Asia. Cooperation in political, social, economic, cultural, commercial, scientific, technical and administrative fields and finding solutions to common problems of member countries is the real aim of this organization. The main objective of this organization is to create a common market and to develop mutual trade.

Functions and Role of ASEAN : 

Its functional area is continuously on rise. It is active in political, economic, social, technical and in administrative fields. Its member countries are trying to solve their mutual problems on regional basis. In 1969, to increase their communication and cultural activities, these countries signed an agreement in which it was decided to exchange radio and television programmes among all member countries. In tourism field, an organization named ASEANTA was founded which emphasizes mutual tourism without Visa. In ASEAN, solid steps are taken to give priority to agriculture and production and to give technical education to farmers. Thus, in these countries efforts are being made to establish free trade area so that import and export may be made easier with one another.

ASEAN’s Conferences : 

The first ASEAN summit was held in Bali (Indonesia) in 1976, and its 28th and 29th conference was held in Vientaine (Laos) on 6-7 September, 2016.

ASEAN Contribution/Importance : 

It is found after analysing all activities, and achievements of ASEAN, that this organization could not give pace to economic and other types of cooperation. There is lack of necessary capital. International disputes also arose several times due to the clash of interests of member countries. It is felt that inclination of ASEAN countries is more towards western countries. In spite of all these criticism, ASEAN has remained a non-military organization, ASEAN membership is open to all the nations of South East Asia who believe its aims, principle and intention. The efforts to make ASEAN a free trade zone is an important step in direction of regional cooperation. ASEAN’s importance can be evaluated that 23 important countries including USA, Russia, Japan, Chinta and India are the members of its ASEAN regional forum.