ASEAN economic ministers and Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan pose for a photo at the 18th informal meeting. (Photo: MNA)

(VOVworld) - 18^th ASEAN economic ministers’ informal meeting has opened in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, to discuss issues related to the process of building the ASEAN economic community. The meeting, chaired by Cambodian Commerce Minister Cham Prasidh, was attended by delegates from ASEAN countries, ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan, representatives from ASEAN embassies in Myanmar, and ASEAN Secretariat officials. Participants today/ on Monday discussed challenges and weaknesses in building an ASEAN economic community by 2015 and exchanged views on tasks to be completed this year. They also discussed issues relating to cooperation among ASEAN countries to develop an ASEAN economic community and promote trade services, investment and private sectors, as well as cooperation between ASEAN and its dialogue partners.