Asean countries and China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand have also launched negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade pact, which seeks to strengthen regional trade.

BBC: Obama at Asean summit urges nations to ease sea rows

Yesterday, May 9, representatives of Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, India, and the ten countries of ASEAN convened in Brunei for the inaugural negotiation of what is hoped will become by 2015 the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) free trade agreement.

FORBES: Connect

The United States has been a good friend to ASEAN and is actively involved in many of our projects, such as the Comprehensive Energy Partnership and the Expanded Economic Engagement of E3 Initiative.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama's Bilateral Meeting with His Majesty Sultan of Brunei | The White House

Over the decades, our Alliance has steadily developed into a comprehensive partnership that contributes to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, an important center for global economic growth, and beyond.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House