On the background of the economic recovery in Southeast Asia, the increase of economic growth in East Asia and the unpredictable world situation, ASEAN was more active than before in 2003, becoming a hot spot on Asian stage. It not only promoted the advancement of the integration process in ASEAN itself in politics, economy, regional security and social issues but also further enhanced the cooperation among the Asian - Pacific countries such as China, Japan, South Korea and India. It also advanced cooperation and promoted dialogues with the United States and the European Union. The start of the program of China-ASEAN Free Trade Zone which had played a positive role in its smooth progress, greatly pushed forward the development of the economy and trade in those countries.
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