The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) declared in the ASEAN Charter today that the group will adhere to multilateral trade rules to eliminate all barriers to regional economic integration in a market-driven economy.

The Charter, which transforms the ASEAN into a rules-based legal entity like the European Union, was signed by the bloc's 10 leaders today.

The Charter says that ASEAN will enhance consultations on matters seriously affecting the common interest of the group.

Other principles set in the Charter with which ASEAN member countries will act in accordance are:

-- Adherence to the rule of law, good governance, the principles of democracy and constitutional government;

-- Respect for fundamental freedoms, the promotion and protection of human rights, and the promotion of social justice;

-- Respect for the different cultures, languages and religions of the peoples of ASEAN, while emphasizing their common values in the spirit of unity in diversity.

As a regional cooperation group, ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.