91998E4057

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4057/98

by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission

(13 January 1999)

Subject: EU-Asia relations

In its communication on EU-Asia strategy of 1994, the Commission oriented its approach towards the ASEAN countries largely on the basis of the purchasing power of those countries. In view of the Asian economic crisis, does the Commission agree that it should take a new look at this approach, given that South Asia has not been hit so badly by the economic crisis and in population terms is of growing importance to the EU?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission

(12 February 1999)

"Towards a New Asia Strategy"(1), the Commission's strategy paper published in July 1994, indicated the changes faced by relations between the Community and the Association of South East Asian nations (ASEAN) and called for the building of a partnership of equals with ASEAN.

On this basis the Commission produced, in July 1996, a communication "for a New Dynamic" in relations(2) between the Community and ASEAN. This communication can be described as an attempt to give a new boost to relations in the absence of any progress towards a new Community-ASEAN agreement. The Commission insisted on the growing political and economic importance of South East Asia and the need to embark on a new process which would create a more active partnership.

On 24 April 1997, the Council adopted a "package for future action" with ASEAN which the Commission was charged to negotiate with the ASEAN side. On the basis of this package the Commission has prepared a work programme. This work programme has been updated since the unfolding of the economic crisis in Asia, in order to take into account the new economic situation in the ASEAN countries. Special emphasis has been put on actions responding to the crisis.

The work programme will be discussed and adopted at the next Community-ASEAN joint co-operation committee.

As regards South Asia, the Commission has tried to reinforce relations in this part of the world. It adopted a communication on "EU-India Enhanced Partnership" in June 1996, and is in the process of concluding new agreements with Bangladesh and Pakistan. Despite certain setbacks following developments in the security field, economic relations continue to grow, with both a broadening and deepening of the partnership. The Commission is firmly of the opinion that South Asia has an important and increasing role in the world both economically and politically.

(1) COM(94) 314 final.

(2) COM(96) 314 final.