Overview
As stipulated in Article 9 of the ASEAN Charter, the ASEAN Community Councils shall comprise the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Council, ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council, and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council. The AEC Council shall contribute to the realisation of the ASEAN Community Vision through the fulfilment of the objective of the ASEAN Community Pillar.
To realise the objective of the AEC, the AEC Council shall:
- Ensure the implementation of AEC-relevant decisions of the ASEAN Summit;
- Coordinate the work of the AEC Sectoral Bodies, and on issues that cut across the other Community Councils; and
- Submit reports and recommendations to the ASEAN Summit on matters related to the AEC.
In line with the AEC Blueprint 2025, the AEC Council is the principal body accountable for the overall implementation of the strategic measures in the Blueprint, by monitoring and enforcing the compliance of all measures agreed in the document. In particular, the AEC Council shall ensure the achievement of AEC objectives and targets within the stipulated time frame as espoused in the AEC Blueprint and other key agreements related to the AEC. In doing so, the AEC Council shall work towards the deepening and broadening ASEAN economic integration and regional growth and development. In addition, the AEC Council shall also work towards strengthening ASEAN Economic Community in order to collectively and effectively respond to global economic challenges.
The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council has under its purview AEC Sectoral Ministerial Bodies. Its membership comprises designated Ministers in charge of economic-related affairs, and is chaired by the appropriate Minister from the ASEAN Member State that holds the ASEAN Chairmanship.
In overseeing the activities of all the relevant Sectoral Ministerial Bodies under its purview, the AEC Council is assisted by the relevant senior economic officials and the ASEAN Secretariat. Working with the relevant senior economic officials, the ASEAN Secretariat monitors, coordinate, and regularly consults with relevant Sectoral Ministerial Bodies under the AEC on the progress and decisions of the AEC Council and the implementation of measures under the AEC Blueprint.
The AEC Council submits its reports and recommendations to the ASEAN Summit through the ASEAN Coordinating Council. It meets at least twice a year at a time to be determined by the Council Chairman in consultation with all Council Members.
