Because of regional economic divide and the effect of unevenly distributed the benefits of globalization, ASEAN may not be able to effectively forge forward successfully its economic integration and fear looms large that the grouping may become irrelevant in the global economy.
The CLMV countries have also realized that they must progressively and steadily integrate their economies with those of the older members if they do not want to be left behind. If the development divide persist and widen, ASEAN member states are certain to face more difficulty to advance together.