What Is the Place of Asean as a Major Trade Bloc in the Global Economic System?

"Today, ASEAN is not only a well-functioning, indispensable reality in the region. It is a real force to be reckoned with far beyond the region. It is also a trusted partner of the United Nations in the field of development" said Kofi Annan the secretary-general of the United Nations.
Currently, there are three major trading areas in the world: North America, the Pacific Rim and the European Community. These three areas account for 80 percent of the World's Gross Domestic Products (GDP) and 75 percent of the world's exports and imports. They are known as the "Triad". …