A senior US lawmaker says he plans to introduce legislation next week that would urge US trade officials to seek a free trade deal with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Republican Sen. Richard Lugar said in a statement that China, India, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea have free trade agreements with the 10-nation Asean and "are sharpening a competitive edge over the US in Southeast Asia."
Lugar says the United States should "develop a comprehensive strategy toward engaging Asean in serious FTA discussions."
The United States has trade restrictions with military-run Myanmar. But Lugar says that should not prevent a deal with the other nine countries of Asean.
The bill faces a lengthy legislative process and uncertain prospects.
