Brazil to adhere to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC)

In the context of the 21^st Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on 17 November 2012, a ceremony will be held for the deposit of the instrument of adhesion of Brazil to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

The adhesion to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia is an expression of the desire to strengthen and enhance relations with ASEAN, in domains such as economy and trade, culture, education and renewable energies, technical cooperation and social issues, among others. In June 2012, the first course for ASEAN diplomats was held in Rio de Janeiro.

In 2011, the exchange between Brazil and the combined ASEAN countries was US$ 17.8 billion, which amounts to 3.7% of our global exchange. With a population of 615 million people and a total GDP of US$ 1.86 trillion, ASEAN comprises 10 countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam). As it strengthens its integration process, with a view to the establishment of the ASEAN Community in 2015, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations asserts itself as an important interlocutor from its region and broadens its role on global affairs.