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?
Explanation
ASEAN has established Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with six specific 'Dialogue Partners': China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand.
Statement 1 is Correct: Australia is a free-trade partner of ASEAN through the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA).
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Canada is a Dialogue Partner of ASEAN but does not have a formal Free Trade Agreement with the bloc.
Statement 3 is Correct: China is a free-trade partner of ASEAN through the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA).
Statement 4 is Correct: India is a free-trade partner of ASEAN through the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA).
Statement 5 is Correct: Japan is a free-trade partner of ASEAN through the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP).
Statement 6 is Incorrect: The USA has been a Dialogue Partner of ASEAN since 1977, but it does not have a Free Trade Agreement with the ASEAN bloc.