Despite the still uncertain global environment, ASEAN maintained its economic resilience with the economic growth of 5.6 percent in 2012 from 4.7 percent in 2011, underpinned by strong domestic demand. the need to stay resilient against global undertainties has also pushed the region to pursue its integration agenda further. As a resuilt, the AEC continued to make good progress. By end-March 2013, gains across pillars inclluding the following.