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

The ASEAN Leaders briefed the President on their plan to create an ASEAN Economic Community with a single market and production base by 2015.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama at Working Lunch with ASEAN leaders

On the trade front, after the Asian crisis ASEAN redoubled efforts not just to create free trade in merchandise goods but, by 2015, an ASEAN Economic Community in which goods, skilled workers and capital are supposed to move freely about.

ECONOMIST: Regional economic integration has a long, long way to go

Even ASEAN, the region's coziest community, suffered an embarrassing split.

CNN: A Year of Redefinition

We welcomed the innovative and active collaboration between ASEAN and the United States to boost trade facilitation measures that will support ASEAN's goal of a single economic community and production base by 2015.

WHITEHOUSE: Joint Statement of the 4th ASEAN-U.S. Leaders' Meeting

And finally, I stressed my strong support for ASEAN's ambitious goal of creating a community by 2015, including its bold effort to achieve economic integration, which will contribute to a sustained and lasting prosperity within this region and throughout the world.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama and Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Speak After ASEAN-10 Meeting | The White House

"As chair of Asean in 2014, Myanmar will be taking us to that community that is democratic and respectful of human rights and good governance, " Mr. Natalegawa said.

WSJ: Myanmar to Face Human-Rights Test as ASEAN Chair