The ASEAN Waters
The ASEAN region is divided into two, the Mainland and Maritime Southeast Asia — the earth’s most diverse corner.
The region is also the mighty home of the busiest sea lanes and megadiverse countries. Growth within the ASEAN is not just about its policies nor its international trade partnerships, but it is derived from its natural blessings. The region maintains to be prosperous and gives us a promising economic growth in the future if well governed.
The cities of Bangkok, Hanoi, Vientiane, Phnom Penh and Naypyidaw belong to the Mainland Southeast Asia. The region is composed of forest, mountains, valleys, rivers, deltas and coastlines. The Mekong River plays a major role in this region as it connects China to Laos and two other states. Lao PDR is the only landlocked state in the region though it is still blessed with its share of Mekong River where they plan to build hydropower dams to become “The Battery of Southeast Asia” exporting 80% of electricity in 2030. Its neighbor from the east, Vietnam has its long stretch of coastline which divides the two heartlands of the state — Hanoi and Saigon. The geographical setting of Vietnam is said to be vulnerable to foreign exploitation due to its division however Vietnamese citizen stands with confidence and pride because of its VPN Marine Corps that protects country’s national waters and interests of the maritime economy. Southwest of Vietnam is Cambodia which lacks of any form of wealth and depends mostly on foreign aid specifically from Mainland China. The regional power that holds the Chao Phraya basin beside the Cambodia is Thailand. It’s considered as the most centralized capital in the region and keeps its policies open to all. Next state is Myanmar which has the Irrawaddy River as its most important commercial waterway. The Mainland Southeast Asia is diverse and with each distinct needs. Its imperfection creates a balance and opportunities to rise economically.
A place where land divides and sea unites, the region of Maritime Southeast Asia. Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam and Philippines are the states composed of this region. This is where the game of international and regional trades spice up. According to Adam Smith, “Access to water reduce the cost of trade and gave merchants access to larger markets.” This is the main reason why Kuala Lumpur and Singapore harbours are scoring high and impacts their economy drastically. In this region, another sleeping giant rests, the Indonesia which is almost the same with its neighboring states, Brunei and Philippines. These regions are showered with natural resources like gold, coal and petrol which are the main factors driving its economy.
Inclusive growth within the ASEAN region is starting to propel globally. The lands are unique as its people. A home for its 640 million people in the most unthinkable region, striving for change and progressing forward is what makes ASEAN complimentary to each other. With good governance, the Mainland and Maritime Southeast Asia can thrive harmoniously.
