Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are generally non-profit-making associations of ASEAN persons, natural or juridical, organized to promote, strengthen and realize the aims and objectives of ASEAN co-operation specifically in the social, cultural, economic and scientific fields. However, other groupings or associations which perform functions and activities that are governmental or quasi-governmental in nature, such as those of the legislature and judiciary, but are not part of the formal structure of ASEAN, can apply for a special relationship with ASEAN through the ASEAN Secretariat. Normally, NGOs establish working links with ASEAN Committees or other ASEAN bodies through the ASEAN Secretariat. Applications for ASEAN affiliation are considered by the ASEAN Standing Committee upon the recommendation of the ASEAN Secretariat.

The main objectives of ASEAN affiliation are to draw the NGOs into the mainstream of ASEAN activities so that they are kept informed of major policies, directives and decisions of ASEAN and are given the opportunity and the privilege of participating in ASEAN activities. Furthermore, affiliation is intended to ensure interaction between the existing ASEAN bodies and the NGOs. The privileges of ASEAN affiliation include the permission to use the name “ASEAN” and to display the official ASEAN emblem in correspondence and other forms of communication at its official meetings and to have access to ASEAN documents on a selective basis for research purposes. Affiliated NGOs may also be allowed the use of facilities of the ASEAN Secretariat for their official meetings in Jakarta.

ASEAN-CCI

(affiliated since 5 December 1981)

The most important ASEAN NGO is the ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASEAN-CCI). Over the years it has assumed a semi-official status, operating between the ASEAN Committees and the various private sector groups in the ASEAN countries. The national bodies comprising the ASEAN-CCI are the