Aug. 11--Leaders at the 41st Asean Economic Ministers meeting will discuss opportunities to develop initiatives such as the Asean Economic Community (AEC), the Asean Customs Union and the expansion of a free trade agreement.

Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai, as chair of the meeting, said it is particularly important for the association to co-operate on solving problems during the economic crisis, and to work towards establishing the AEC by 2015.

Nuntawan Sakuntanaga, director-general of Trade Negotiations Department, said the meeting's main agenda will relate to what direction the economic community should take after 2015.

Developing a customs union and expanding the Asean Free Trade Agreement to cover more than the 10 member states will also be discussed. The so-called "plus 3" countries -- China, Japan and South Korea -- and Australia, New Zealand and India, could be included in the free trade area.

Dusit Nontanakorn, chairman of Thai Chamber of Commerce, said the private sector will push for the AEC to be set up by 2015. The private sector expects import tariffs to fall in line with the framework while non-tariff barriers should not rise.

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