Normally, one of the primary goal of a leader of a certain state or
country is to ensure that its economic wheels are driving the right track and
in stable manner as well as being able to somehow withstand agonizing economic
crises and recessions. While development gaps are being seen and felt globally,
leaders of ASEAN or Association of Southeast Asian Nations built a reform in
narrowing the development within member-countries of ASEAN.
The Initiative for ASEAN Integration was launched by the ASEAN Heads of
State at their summit back in 2000. This is a wise tactic and measure done by
the ASEAN leaders considering the huge divide being sensed in various nations.
The IAI carries the objectives of NDG or Narrowing the Development Gap and accelerating
economic integration of the newer members of ASEAN. By simply hearing the goals
and blueprints of the IAI, it can be found ambitious but unpredictable in a
large scale. Considering the current economic pace of some ASEAN nations, it
can be stated that the Initiative for ASEAN Integration is a great economic
application for ASEAN member-countries thirsty for development.
Here at home, reverberation of ASEAN Integration preparation shook the
ears of franchisers and retailers in the country. They are already gearing up
to face challenges and opportunities the said economic blueprint will bring
along with it. As the objectives display, this will be more of a challenge and
least of an opportunity for the Philippine business sector knowing that the country’s
economic performance has been least expected to be gradual in terms of
development. The Philippine Franchise Association president Franklin L. Go
himself said that the economic plan is entailed with risks and stiff
challenges, particularly for the ill-prepared. Hence, Philippine Franchise
Industry needs a lot more preparation in order to avoid economic shock.
Also seen in ASEAN Integration is further growth in tourism and
employment. According to Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, member-countries of
the ASEAN attracted more tourists than France in 2013. Tourism also plays a
vital part in the country’s development. If our economic officials themselves
are optimistic with the outcome of the economic plan, then it must be pushed
through knowing that we ourselves are also glaring for support from neighboring
countries in terms of tourism and employment.
Efforts in enhancing economic development is, indeed, an objective that
must never be taken for granted considering that it is here where people of the
country depend their own lives upon as well. We rely on our economy, also, to
monitor our economic progress by the help of large economic businesses and
firms. We, people, also want to witness general progress on our economy so we
should start it upon ourselves and never always wait for what the government
can prepare and implement.
-Carl Jason Elisan
-Carl Jason Elisan
