Seminar on ASEAN

Political Science Students Association under the Department of Political Science of NSS H.College,Changanacherry conducted its 2nd monthly seminar on “The Implications of ASEAN agreement on Kerala Political Economy†ť on 28th October 2009. Eminent scholars ,Dr.K.M.Seethi, Director School of International Relations,M.GUniversity and Dr.S.Muraleedharan,Professor in Economics,Maharajas College,Ernakulam talked on the topic.

Dr.K.M.Seethi argued that the agreement would not be beneficial to the conditions of third world countries. He contended that it would adversely affect the local needs and economy and especially the needs and requirements of local farmers. He also indicated the the challenge of huge trade deficits that the developing countries have to encounter while yielding to the ASEAN agreement.

Dr.S.Muraleedharan argued that the agreement has to be applied in its full spirit and the signatory countries may show a tendency to violate the norms of the agreement. Corrupt bureaucracy is one of the big threats in many developing countries which pose as a challenge to regional agreements from making any meaningful gains.

Sri Madhusoodanan Nair,Dept of Economics,NSS H College,Changanacherry, stressed on the text and implied aspects of ASEAN agreement.

Students of various departments presented short papers on the topic. Shalu Vijayakumar II MA Economics, Renjith II Dc History, Sujith.P.V,Bincy.P.Thomas, of III BA Politics, Aleena Thomas,Selvi M m,of I MA Politics and Toji Scaria presented papers.

The presentations were followed by lively discussions which tried to look into the issue very deep