ASEAN has a goal to create an economic community by 2015. To achieve the goal, connectivity among the member states needs to be given due importance. In 2010, ASEAN adopted the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC), which looked at physical, institutional and people-to-people connectivity. It pinned down fifteen priority projects which can potentially transform the ASEAN region, providing the conditions for a single market and production base. But MPAC is an expensive initiative, and funding remains a major challenge. The private sector needs to be actively involved as a number of infrastructure projects identified in the MPAC are lacking substantial investment. This book looks at the current state of ASEAN's physical connectivity and challenges in building better infrastructure. It contains a collection of papers that discuss specific issues pertaining to each kind of physical connectivity - transportation infrastructure, telecom connectivity, ICT and energy infrastructure. The book concludes with the steps needed to be taken for implementation of the various plans, and policy recommendations.

To help accelerate investment in infrastructure in the region, the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 (MPAC 2025), recommended the establishment of a rolling priority pipeline list of potential ASEAN infrastructure projects and sources of funds. With the technical assistance of the World Bank and the support of the ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Program Phase II (AADCP II), ASEAN has developed the Initial Pipeline of ASEAN Infrastructure Projects, which contains viable and sustainable infrastructure projects that have the potential to enhance the movement of people, services, goods, and innovations across ASEAN.

Twenty years ago, India launched its “Look East” policy. For most of those 20 years, Myanmar’s isolation, mistrust between India and its neighbors, and poor infrastructure connectivity hindered the development of links between South and Southeast Asia. With Myanmar’s tentative opening and improved relations between India and Bangladesh, an opportunity exists for India to boost trade and security ties with mainland and maritime Southeast Asia. And the United States, during President Barack Obama’s second term, is committed to rebalancing toward Asia, with India playing a pivotal role. With these facts in mind, CSIS presents key recommendations in the areas of diplomacy and security, infrastructure and energy, and enhancing people-to-people collaboration among India, ASEAN, and the United States.

As Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) approaches end 2015, this report takes stock of the progress to date and draws out lessons for the next stage of ASEAN's connectivity journey. The realization of an integrated ASEAN community demands connectedness vis improved and expanded transport, communications, and energy infrastructure; the reduction of barriers to trade and investment; and the opening of new opportunities for ASEAN wide communication and exchange. The MPAC provides a blueprint for such advances via three strategic dimensions, each accompanied by strategies and key actions: physical connectivity; institutional connectivity; and people-to-people connectivity.

As Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) approaches end 2015, this report takes stock of the progress to date and draws out lessons for the next stage of ASEAN's connectivity journey. The realization of an integrated ASEAN community demands connectedness vis improved and expanded transport, communications, and energy infrastructure; the reduction of barriers to trade and investment; and the opening of new opportunities for ASEAN wide communication and exchange. The MPAC provides a blueprint for such advances via three strategic dimensions, each accompanied by strategies and key actions: physical connectivity; institutional connectivity; and people-to-people connectivity.