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SINGAPORE : A key task for Singapore as ASEAN's new chairman is to help the grouping meet its deadline of setting up an economic community by 2015.
Singapore's challenge is to ensure that member countries live up to their commitment to implement economic integration initiatives, said Dr Denis Hew of the Institute of South-east Asian Studies (Iseas).
However, the good economic performance of ASEAN member nations will make it easier for the Republic to push for an economic agenda.
CIMB-GK Research regional economist Song Seng Wun said: "The timing is apt. Singapore may be able to nudge member countries towards reducing trade barriers further or integrating an economic community."
Dr Hew also pointed out another economic challenge - the wide income gap between the haves and have-nots in ASEAN.
He believes Singapore can help less-developed countries like Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam with their economic reform measures.
While analysts generally agree that Singapore, as ASEAN chairman, can chart the course in the areas of finance and economy, the Republic may face challenges that are more difficult to overcome on other fronts.
One issue it must tread carefully on is Myanmar, said research fellow Dr Hiro Katsumata from the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS).
He said: "If ASEAN pushes too hard, Myanmar will walk away from the association. It should be noted that ASEAN needs Myanmar, as much as Myanmar needs ASEAN. The unity of the association is very important for all the members."
Singapore may also need to tackle a perceived "image problem" to play its role as chairman more effectively.
Mr Song said: "Perhaps, our bureaucrats are seen to be following too much by the book. We are seen as too strict rather than able to take a more flexible approach. To overcome this, we have to hang up the suits and learn to party." - TODAY/fa
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