This paper proposes the I-4 Initiative a set of broad-based recommendations designed to help
the US tackle ASEAN's key obstacles to economic growth and thereby differentiating itself from
other competing multilateral economic frameworks striving to garner ASEAN's involvement. As
part of the current situational analysis this paper also touches on ASEAN's growing economic
potential as well as on the viability of the Trans-Pacific Agreement (TPP) and the US-ASEAN
Extended Economic Engagement (E3). A posture on how the US can balance both arrangements is
also recommended.
