It is even less likely that the AEC will start on time, let alone be effective.

ECONOMIST: Can Indonesia heal the deepening rifts in South-East Asia?

Furthermore, we agree that Thailand is a strategic location and a hub for ASEAN connectivities and the ASEAN economic communities, AEC.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

Bank of America Merrill Lynch advised AEC on this transaction.

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Burma's prime concern is the preparation for entry into the ASEAN Free Trade Area (Afta) and ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), as well as wanting to take its turn as ASEAN's chair in 2014.

BBC: Viewpoint: Change in Burma - one step at a time