ASEAN integration model

Abstract

Introduction. Since the declaration of independence, Ukraine has not paid enough attention to the development of cooperation with the countries of South East Asia and member states of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which was mainly bilateral and narrowly focused, mainly with Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. However, at present, our state cannot neglect the strengthening of relations and cooperation with the Association, taking into account the rapid growth of the influence of ASEAN on the international arena as a result of significant achievements in the field of economic integration within the framework of the Association, economic, social and demographic indicators of the countries of the region, etc.

Problem. The complexity of the international legal nature of ASEAN and the lack of comprehensive, relevant research on the specified subject.

The aim of the article is to clarify the legal nature of ASEAN, as well as to formulate proposals for deepening Ukraine’s cooperation with ASEAN member states both at the bilateral level and coope­ration with the Association as a whole.

Methods. The following scientific methods were used: methods of analysis, synthesis, comparative legal and historical method.

The results. The main provisions of the foun­ding treaties of ASEAN, the organizational structure of the Association were analyzed. The historical development of international legal perso­nality of ASEAN is systematized. The spheres of Ukraine’s cooperation with ASEAN as a whole and with the relevant members of the Association were analyzed.

Conclusions. ASEAN should be considered as a unique subcontinental intergovernmental organiza­tion, the purpose of which is to deepen the economic integration of the states of the region, cooperation in the social, cultural and security spheres, and in the context of ASEAN+RCEP – as a trade and economic bloc of intercontinental importance. During the last three decades, Ukraine had a rather limited level of cooperation with ASEAN member states, which was limited to bilateral cooperation in certain areas. At the moment, there is a positive shift in the development of cooperation between Ukraine and ASEAN as a whole. Prospective directions for the development of Ukraine's cooperation with the member states of the organization, in particular, will be: attraction of investments in industry from highly developed ASEAN countries and investments in under­developed countries of South East Asia, increasing exports of agricultural products to the countries of this region, joining the Treaty of Friendship and cooperation in South East Asia and the conclusion of agreements on the creation of a free trade zone with ASEAN member states.