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Common ASEAN visa proposed for business mobility, tourism

Leaders at the 22nd ASEAN Summit acknowledged the continued efforts in considering the proposal for an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Common Visa for non-ASEAN nationals to facilitate business mobility and tourism.

A business mand and a passport

According to the Chairman's Statement released on Thursday, the leaders were driven by the rapid expansion of ASEAN's tourism sectors and they commended the joint efforts of both public and private sectors to facilitate and enhance the travel experiences of tourists.

The statement also said that the leaders are encouraging ministers to support the establishment of both visa-free travel in ASEAN countries for ASEAN nationals and to have ASEAN immigration lanes.

Furthermore, to foster trade and investments within the region, the leaders have also called for the development of an ASEAN Business Travel Card to ease the movement of the regions' businessmen and investors.

Asked whether this could mean free movement of labour among ASEAN nationals, ASEAN Secretary-General Le Luong Minh replied that "only recognised professionals" will be allowed to move freely.

He did not specify what sort of professionals, but stated that it would not be restricted to any industry and will depend on the labour demands of the individual country.

The Chairman's Statement stated that industries, such as automotive, electronics, textiles and garments, are increasingly operating as a single market in the region.

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Country: Africa
Website: http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20130427-418803.html
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Source: news.asiaone.com
When: 03/5/2013

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