Non-economic factor in way of EU-style Asean

AN European Union-style economic integration will not happen in Asean within the next 10–20 years owing to the reluctance of governments in the region to give up control over their national finances, said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz. 

“I do not foresee Asean governments giving up their sovereignty to some supra-national body but there will probably be greater integration through areas like FTAs (free trade agreements),” she said.