Competitiveness of the ASEAN countries : corporate and regulatory drivers In an age of increased necessity for competitiveness of nations and at a time when the world economy is facing recession this book explores the possible trajectory of ASEAN : arguably one of the most dynamic areas in the world as a regional economic and political bloc. The expert contributors address the industrial competitiveness of ASEAN and analyse the role of MNEs against the background of the challenges of integration. They illustrate that regional integration will only be a success if ASEANs linkages are broadened with global partners through negotiations of Free Trade Agreements. The book concludes that although much still remains to be done and many promises are still to be unveiled ASEANs coming of age is an historic milestone pt. 1. The ASEAN industrial competitiveness challenges within the regional integration process pt. 2. The integration of ASEAN in the world economy : the crucial role of FTAs.