Consider the following countries : 1. Australia 2. Canada 3. China 4. India 5. Japan 6. USA Which of the above are among the 'free-trade partners' of ASEAN ?
A
1, 2, 4 and 5
B
3, 4, 5 and 6
C
1, 3, 4 and 5
Correct Answer
D
2, 3, 4 and 6
Explanation
Option (C) is correct because ASEAN has formal Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with six specific partners: Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand (often referred to as the ASEAN+6). While the USA and Canada are major dialogue partners, they do not have a bloc-wide free-trade agreement with ASEAN, making any option containing them incorrect. This question tests the core concept of regional economic integration and India’s specific trade linkages under its "Act East" policy.
International Relations & Trade BlocsASEAN Free Trade PartnersASEANFree-trade partnersAustraliaCanadaChinaIndiaJapanUSAFTA