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ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It is a group of 10 countries in Southeast Asia that work together to help each other. They make rules about trade, peace, and helping during disasters. ASEAN wants all its members to grow stronger together.

Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines are members. They share ideas, help each other with jobs and safety, and protect the environment. ASEAN is kind of like a team—when one country needs help, the others support it.

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“One Vision, One Identity, One Community”

ASEAN unites people through cultural unity by encouraging countries to celebrate their own traditions while working together toward common goals, like economic growth, peace, and environmental protections.

While some ASEAN countries like Vietnam have a communist government, and others like Thailand follow a capitalist system, the organization still fosters cooperation by focusing on shared values such as respect for family, community, and nature.

ASEAN promotes respect for cultural diversity. Countries celebrate their individual traditions while also learning from one another. For instance, in Indonesia, the Bali culture is rich in religion and art, while Singapore focuses on modern business culture, blending Eastern and Western influences. ASEAN encourages cross-cultural exchanges through events like ASEAN Cultural Festivals.

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Task 2: History of ASEAN & Free-Trade Agreement

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Task 2: History of ASEAN & Free-Trade Agreement

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The Association of Southeast Asian Nations was originally established on August 8, 1967 in Bangkok Thailand, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It was established to promote free trade, prevent a major spread of communism , and cultural unity.

ASEAN was created in 1967 by in an effort

to prevent the spread of communism in the region.

accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development

eliminate all tariffs and maximize free trade between countries

promote regional peace to prevent future conflicts, such as wars and genocides

adhere to the principles of the United Nations Charter

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Task 3: NAFTA/USMCA - North American Free Trade Agreement

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Task 3: NAFTA/USMCA - North American Free Trade Agreement

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NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) was a trade agreement between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico that made it easier to buy and sell goods between these three countries without high taxes.

Both ASEAN and USMCA are free-trade organizations, which means they help countries trade goods with fewer barriers (like tariffs) to help their economies grow.

In 2020, NAFTA was updated to USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement). However, ASEAN is made up of 10 countries in Southeast Asia and covers more than just trade—it also focuses on things like peace, environmental protection, and cultural understanding.

Like ASEAN, the goal of USMCA is to help countries trade more easily with each other.

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Task 5: European Union & Cultural Unity 

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Task 5: European Union & Cultural Unity 

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The European Union was an organization that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations was modeled after. After World War II, countries around the world wanted to stop the spread of communism, promote free trade, and united cultures to promote peace. ASEAN does not have a common currency or passport. You cannot freely travel within ASEAN, like the European Union

ASEAN is very similar to the European Union because:

Accelerate Economic Growth and Promote Free Trade

Celebrates Cultural Unity

Adhere to the United Nations Rules

Promote regional peace to prevent future conflicts, such as wars and genocides

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Manila is a major port city where lots of goods are shipped in and out. The Philippines

These countries are export-oriented, which means they sell many goods to other places. From Manila, the Philippines sends out exports like bananas, electronics, and clothes to other ASEAN countries. In return, it gets goods like rice, oil, and machines from neighbors. This helps businesses grow and gives people more choices in stores.

In ASEAN, countries like the Philippines trade with each other without paying extra fees called tariffs. This means it’s cheaper and faster to buy and sell things between members. From Manila, the Philippines sends out exports like bananas, electronics, and clothes to other ASEAN countries. In return, it gets goods like rice, oil, and machines from neighbors.

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Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is part of the ASEAN group, where countries share many natural resources. ASEAN countries have rich resources like oil, natural gas, coal, fish, rice, and timber. One important place for resources is the South China Sea, which provides fish and oil for many countries in the region.

Vietnam, like other ASEAN countries, works together to protect these resources and the sea. Besides resources, ASEAN has a unified culture. Even though each country has its own language and traditions, they share a common goal of working together for a better future. This unity helps make ASEAN strong and peaceful.