KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 4): The rise of China and its attraction for investment and international trade may affect the economic integration of the Asean countries, said Asean expert Tan Sri Dr Munir Majid.

"China is a large economy that is attractive for investors, exporters and importers, particularly for [countries in the] Mekong sub-region," said the chairman of the Asean Business Advisory Council Malaysia

"[Gross domestic product growth] in countries in that region such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand which stands at about 7% are happening at faster rates than other parts of Asean, which average at about 5%," he told reporters after the Asean @ 50 Conference organised by the council.

Munir said that while China's growth presents opportunities, it also throws challenges in the way of Asean integration and possibly its future as a regional identity.

Moving forward, he said the aim of grouping should be to reduce the number of non-tariff barriers in place between the 10 member countries as well as to increase the engagement of youth in Asean initiatives through the establishment of an Asean youth council.