Tue - Mar 09		Meeting on the ASEAN Single Window with Mr. Quang Anh Le, Office of the ASEAN Secretariat. Mr. Quang has agreed to provide an update on the implementation of the National Single Windows (NSW) and ASEAN Single Window (ASW), including major achievements to date. He will also discuss some of the challenges to implementation and discuss how Council members can support the implementation process. As the senior officer responsible for Customs and Trade Facilitation issues within the ASEAN Secretariat, Mr. Quang will also discuss customs related challenges members encounter in the region. If interested please contact Martin Hutagalung at mhutagalung@usasean.org.
Wed - Mar 10		Customs Working Group Conference Call, Singapore. Working Groups: Customs This call is in preparation for the June consultation with the ASEAN Customs Directors-General. The call will focus on the Royal Thai Customs. If interested please contact Martin Hutagalung at mhutagalung@usasean.org.
Thu - Mar 11		CIO Asia Conference 2010, Malaysia. Working Groups: Information Communications Technology The annual CIO Asia magazine CIO conference 2010 will showcase the ‘new economy’ IT approaches – such as virtualization, cloud computing, social networking, outsourcing and software-as-a-service – that are expected to lead the way in the adoption of cost-effective technology in the post-recession environment. For more information please visit, www.mis-asia.com
Tue - Mar 16		Meeting on Standards Related Trade Barriers in ASEAN, Singapore. Led by Shalizeh Nadjmi, U.S. Dialogue Partner to ACCSQ and Indonesia Desk Officer; and Renee Hancher, International Standards Specialist, Office of Multilateral Affairs, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. Their interests are with all sectors but focus on automotives (and auto parts), building construction, cosmetics, electrical equipments and electronics, energy efficiency and renewable energy, food, herbal supplements, medical devices and pharmaceuticals. If interested please contact Susan McKinney smckinney@usasean.org.
Tue - Mar 16		Food & Agriculture Working Group First Quarterly Meeting, Singapore. Working Groups: Food & Agriculture The meeting will focus on consolidating and following-up on issues/programs. If interested please contact Ira Sugita at isugita@usasean.org

US-ASEAN Business Council in ASEAN

The Council’s is at the forefront of U.S. relation with ASEAN. It is the only U.S. based organization mentioned in the ASEAN charter, and has the unique privilege of participating annually in the meeting of the ASEAN Finance and Economic Ministers, as well as conducting annual consultations with the ASEAN senior officials in charge of Customs, Healthcare, Food & Agriculture and others. The consultations offer both sides an opportunity to exchange views on the business and investment climate, and examine ways in which U.S. companies can work together with the ASEAN Ministers to promote trade and investment in the region.


ASEAN in the United States

The Council is the primary source for information about ASEAN in the United States. With a relationship with the Secretariat dating back to 1984, the Council regularly hosts events and dialogues with officials from all ten ASEAN nations and the Secretariat itself when they visit the United States.


A Permanent Presence in ASEAN

The Council has offices in Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta, Manila, & Singapore. Regional Director Martin Hutagalung coordinates the Council’s direct engagement with the Secretariat through the Singapore office.


Success Stories in ASEAN

Since the Council’s engagement with ASEAN began, US-ASEAN bilateral trade has increased nearly seven-fold. The Council has been a key advocate for the progress of US-ASEAN relations, including behind the scenes efforts in support of the normalization of U.S. relations with Vietnam, the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, and the U.S. accession to the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.