ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is one of the growth engines of the global economy. It includes countries such as Indonesia and Thailand. The population of the 10 members exceeds 600 million, and the region's influence is growing as both a market and a place ofáproduction. ASEAN is seeking to build upon its strengths to create a regional economic bloc in 2015. However it faces political challenges in the South China Sea and decisions about how to relate to other countries to achieve further progress. The report features an interview with former ASEAN SecretaryáGeneral, Surin Pitsuwan.