BANGKOK: ASEAN is to hold an economic meeting in the Cambodian city of Siem Reap beginning on Monday, the Thai News Agency (TNA) reported. According to the report, member countries and their dialogue partners are to discuss ways forward on the economic situation facing the Southeast Asian region. Thai Commerce Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom said the six-day meeting aims at “ridding trade obstacles and boosting investment within the region.” Highlights for the session “will be the unprecedented first-time appearance of East Asia Summit members Russia and the US; while Japan and Asean are to begin discussions on their 10-year economic cooperation plan.” As well as the 44th Asean Economic Ministers Meeting, there will be meetings of the 8th Asean Economic Community Council and the 26th Asean Free Trade Area Council between August 27 and September 1.