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Diplomacy (Regional Relations)

Contents

Examples of Singapore’s participation in regional relations

Benefits of regional relations to SingaporeExplanation of why regional relations is

more beneficial than other forms of diplomacy

Bibliography

Regional Diplomacy

Refer to the conduct of relations between countries that belong to an identifiable geographic region

Makes countries aware that neighbourhood cooperation works to mutual benefit, both economically and politically

Examples: ASEAN(Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and EU(European Union)

Singapore’s regional relations

ASEAN(Association of Southeast Asian Nations)

APEC(Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation)

ASEAN

Member states: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia

Aim: To maintain stability in the region and build trustInitiatives: ASEAN Free Trade Area(ATFA) and

ASEAN Regional Forum(ARF)

Singapore’s participation in ASEAN

Singapore Cooperation Programme(SCP): scholarships are offered to students in other ASEAN countries- students can then contribute to their country’s development after receiving a good education

ASEAN Integration(IAI) project: to narrow economic gap between member countries such as Cambodia- 5-year aid package of $80 million was given

APEC

Member economies: 21 Pacific Rim countries

Aim: To promote free trade and economic cooperation throughout the Asia-Pacific region

Initiatives: Business Facilitation Efforts and APEC Study Centre Consortium

Singapore’s participation in APEC

The ABCA(APEC Business Advisory Council) in Singapore acts as a feedback channel where the views of the business community on issues pertaining to trade and investment are made known to the economic leaders

Singapore hosted the APEC CEO Summit in 2009

Benefits of Singapore of regional relations to Singapore

Economic gains come from trade agreements & Singapore benefits as ASEAN forms a rich hinterland of diverse resources which she can tap on.

Gains regional peace and security as there are no armed conflict happening in the region (The ASEAN Regional Forum allows for conflicts, differences to be settled in a peaceful way)

By establishing regional relations, Singapore is in a better position when dealing with other countries or oragnistions

Why regional relations is more beneficial than other forms of

diplomacy?Compared to bilateral relations, regional

relations have more benefits:1)Regional relations allow Singapore to be in a

better position when dealing with other countries or associations (Eg. EU, SAARAC)

2)Regional relations provide a better platform for countries to communicate and these countries will be able to discuss security issues and resolve conflicts peacefully. (ASEAN Regional Forum) This platform also allow countries to manage their environmental issues through peaceful dialogue. (Eg. Haze problem)

Compared to international relations, regional relations have more benefits:

1)Neighbours who are nearer to our country can render help to us faster when it is needed. (E.g. our water supply is bought from Malaysia, our closest neighbour)

2)Regional economic integration-Regional relations help Singapore to create a stronger regional market by economical cooperation with our regional neighbours, ensuring that we always have a strong economy. (E.g. economic agreements with Taiwan, Malaysia, India, Japan and many members of ASEAN)

Why regional relations is more beneficial than other forms of

diplomacy?

Bibliography

ASEAN Foundation Research Scholarship http://www.aseanfoundation.org/index2.php?main=news/2008/2008-11-18.php

AFTA http://www.aseansec.org/4920.htm

http://www.aseansec.org/viewpdf.asp?file=/pdf/afta.pdf

ARFSocial Studies Textbook Pg 181-185GuideMeSingapore Bloghttp://blog.guidemesingapore.com/economy/

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