Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan pointed out that one of ASEAN’s visions is to be able to allow free movement within ASEAN countries in the future, just like in Europe, without the need for passports.
He said that ASEAN has the vision of 'Six Countries, One Destination', but this would require considerations from the immigration and customs authorities.
"In other words, one day in the future, ASEAN could be like Europe, where you can move between European countries without passports, like traveling from France to Belgium or the Netherlands, without being stopped by immigration."
However, he stated that there is still a long way to go to realize this vision, but it remains ASEAN’s goal.
Mohamad Hasan made these remarks today (24th) while replying in the lower house of parliament to a question from Bersatu’s Mersing MP Mohd Islahuddin.
Additionally, he stated that ASEAN also hopes to increase the volume of trade between ASEAN countries.
He said that ASEAN countries currently still rely on traditional trade partner countries, resulting in intra-ASEAN trade accounting for less than 25%.
"If we are able to increase the trade volume between ASEAN countries to 30% to 40%, that would be a great achievement."
He also mentioned that if ASEAN countries are overly dependent on traditional trade partners, then if those countries encounter problems, ASEAN countries would face difficulties.