The leaders of Southeast Asian countries are to meet again here in the capital city of Brunei for a summit on Wednesday which will emphasize joint efforts for regional development and prosperity under the theme of "Our People, Our Future Together."

With a total population of some 600 million and diversified races, cultures and religious beliefs, the ten member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have decided to form an ASEAN Economic Community by the end of 2015.

To reach the goal, the top priority on the agenda of the leaders is to enhance cohesion and unity within the regional bloc so that the ten countries can speak in one voice and keep sound relations with the outside world.

The idea to build the Southeast Asian economic community manifests a substantial leap in the process of regional integration and showcases the courage and vision of political leaders of the region to face up to challenges brought about by the global financial crisis.

Great progress has been achieved in the region since the ten countries began to make concerted efforts to realize the ambitious plan, with an average annual economic growth of about 5 percent over the years when most advanced economies around the world have slowed down under the impact of the global financial crisis, especially those in the eurozone.

Today the 46-year-old bloc still faces arduous tasks on its road to regional integration, but opportunities outweigh challenges. With only two years to go for the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community, it is imperative that the group keep the fast growing momentum and guard against certain countries from using the ASEAN summit as a platform to raise pointless dispute over issues for the benefits of their own rather than the bloc as a whole.

When the East Asia Summit concluded in Siem Reap, Cambodia, last November, the regional leaders formally agreed to launch negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership ( RCEP). The RCEP aims to be the largest free-trade bloc in the world, comprising all the 10 ASEAN nations and the six other countries with which the group has free-trade agreements - China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

It is reported that the parties concerned have reached a consensus on launching the first round of RCEP negotiation in Brunei next month, which is expected to be concluded by the end of 2015.

To play a leading role in the talks, ASEAN should remain open and inclusive. A united and pragmatic ASEAN will contribute a greater share to regional integration and global development as well.

The ASEAN groups together Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.