“There is nothing mystical about the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), because the way to succeed there, internationally, is to do the things that we need to do anyway as a nation.” This was the synthesis of Emmanuel Esguerra, NEDA Deputy Director-General for Policy and Planning, in a forum that gathered labor and regional integration experts continue reading : Notes from the Editors: Demystifying ASEAN integration and the Philippine labor market

Beginning 2016, professionals from ASEAN countries will have greater mobility to work within the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). While experts do not foresee massive displacement of Filipino workers, they warn of a “skills challenge” that needs to be addressed through a strengthened educational system and professional regulation. The Philippines as labor recipient The entry of continue reading : “Skills challenge” seen with free flow of ASEAN professionals

Filipinos are strongly positioned to benefit from job opportunities of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). But the Philippines has to do more in terms of opening up to foreign investors and enabling an environment for fair competition. Former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Cielito Habito, who is Chief of Party of the USAID Trade- Related Assistance for continue reading : We could have attracted investments if only Philippines is more open

The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) envisions the region to become a significant player in global trade by having a single production and market base within the ASEAN. This means that firms and individuals can freely transact business across countries within the region without being subjected to too many country rules, procedures, and duties. Regional economic continue reading : Equity limits, agri policies among the remaining issues on free ASEAN trade