Asia and Europe

2 From Bangkok to Copenhagen

Introduction

Since its launch in March 1996, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) has developed from a mere summit to an entity that encompasses a certain structure, generates numerous initiatives and maintains a certain momentum. In a short span of six years, from the inaugural summit in Bangkok in 1996 to the fourth summit in Copenhagen in 2002, we have seen the development of a regular series of ministerial meetings, meetings among senior officials of the foreign affairs, economics and finance ministries, and other working groups and expert meetings. Besides these regular meetings, we have also seen the development of a Trade Facilitation Action Plan (TFAP) and an Investment Promotion Action Plan (IPAP), the adoption ...