Why Pakistan Is Interested To Join Asean

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to discover the major reasons to Pakistan’s intention to join ASEAN. There are severalreasons to join ASEAN. Improving trade volume is the fundamental account of Pakistan. The study discovers the fact that Pakistan should seek its neighbouring countries to enhance its volume of trade. ASEAN could be a major market for Pakistan. It has proved in this study that Pakistan Southeast policy has been successful and beneficial for last several years but still Pakistan has to do much more to improve its exports to the satisfactory levels. The exports of Pakistan have not been impressive. The study shows Pakistan has great opportunity to enhance its cooperation with ASEAN countries by making strong efforts on government levels as well as private levels. The study also reveals that trade is not only reason for joining ASEAN but also to meet the security challenges. After 9/11 Pakistan emerged as front line partner in war against terrorism which created many implications for Pakistan. By improving its relationships with ASEAN countries Pakistan can better combat this problem. Another fact is why Pakistan has not succeeded to become member of ASEAN Regional Forum? The study discovers that main reason is India which creates hurdle for Pakistan to become a member of ARF. Indian is major market for ASEAN nations and member of ARF and strong good will among these nations. But Pakistan would have to accelerate its efforts to improve its image. The study also shows that contains for ASEAN and Pakistan cooperation’s. This study alsoproves that Pakistan has still to do more effort towards strengthening its ties with these nations.