Hanoi (VNA) – Experts andscientists assessed achievements and limitations of the Association ofSoutheast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as its future prospects at a workshop inHanoi on September 22.

They highlighted the formation of the ASEANCommunity with the three pillars of politics-security, economy, andculture-society.

However, they said, apart from opportunitiesto move forwards, ASEAN is facing a range of challenges both in and outside thegroup like extremism, terrorism and global commercial crisis.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Thuan, President ofthe Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, said ASEAN is conducting reforms withmore flexible and effective adjustments, along with maintaining intra-blocsolidarity, looking towards a people-centred law-based group.

Reports presented at the workshop focused onASEAN’s external relations, prospects for the completion of the ASEAN Communityand Vietnam’s relevant policies.

They also proposed measures to build aunited and strong community that greatly contributes to peace and developmentin the region and the world at large in the time ahead.

Founded in1967, ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines,Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.-VNA