While cooperation between Vietnam and other ASEAN members, especially in the ASEAN Economic Community, still faces difficulties, the past 50 years have proven the benefits that ASEAN has brought to its member countries, and the rest of the world. Let's take a look at these positive results as the 50th anniversary of ASEAN's establishment approaches tomorrow, August 8th.
With 10 members and a GDP of 2.6 trillion US dollars, in 2016, ASEAN became the 6th largest economy in the world. Its economic growth was at 5.1%, 1.5 times higher than the world average. ASEAN is also the 3rd largest market, with 630 million people, over 50% of whom are under the age of 30. ASEAN also ranks first in palm oil and rubber production, 2nd in FDI attraction and number of Facebook users, and 3rd in terms of number of mobile phone users.
