Leaders of ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) adopted in Hanoi Thursday the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity submitted by the High Level Task Force on ASEAN Connectivity at the 17th ASEAN Summit.

The leaders decided to establish an ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee to coordinate and oversee the implementation of the Master Plan, according to a press release.

These crucial decisions by the leaders will facilitate the enhancement of regional connectivity in every aspect, as well as paving the way for connectivity in a wider East Asia region, said the press release.

The plan is expected to be implemented immediately in the period of 2011-2015 to link ASEAN by enhancing the development of physical infrastructure, institutional connectivity and connectivity between people.

With 19 key strategies, including physical connectivity, institutions and residents, the Master Plan will link in more depth the regional economy in ASEAN which will contribute to the connectivity of ASEAN by 2015, experts said.