From now until 2015, Thailand’s preparation process must intensify in many areas. The AEC is much
more than free trade area, and further progress is needed on many fronts. Greater liberalization of
trade in goods by CLMV, reduction in non-tariff barriers, liberalization of trade in services, and liberalization
of investment-these are areas ASEAN is working on. In line with this, trade facilitation, which the private
sector is looking forward to, is also key for fostering trade expansion. For example, the ASEAN Single
Window (ASW) would improve customs procedures and harmonization of product standard would benefit
ASEAN consumers.