In the past half century, ASEAN has facilitated better communication and cooperation in the region.

 

China and the 10-nation bloc pushed for the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. At this year's meetings, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will propose some 30 new initiatives on connectivity, infrastructure, trade, and the fight against corruption.

 

For South Korea, President Moon Jae-in named information technology and three other sectors where cooperation will be prioritized. On Monday, Seoul said it will consider simplifying the visa issuance process for visitors from ASEAN. The South Korean government will also double its support fund for the bloc by 2019.  Japan is also actively cooperating with ASEAN in the areas of trade, food security, tourism, and regional security.