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forth that, instead of taking a vote, “the implementation of

economic commitments, a formula for flexible participation,
including the ASEAN Minus-X formula, may be applied where
there is a consensus to do so.”
48

By reading from the provision of AFAS, it is obvious
that the process is based on a flexible approach where ASEAN

members are not legally required to negotiate and enter into
49
the mutual recognition arrangement. Even in the case where
there is a mutual recognition agreement, it would only be

applicable to the specific issue only to facilitate the flow of
services under AFAS. Until now, ASEAN has concluded and signed

mutual recognition only in the professional services covering:
Mutual Recognition Agreement on Engineering Services, Mutual
Recognition Agreement on Nursing Services, Mutual Recognition

Agreement on Architectural Services and Framework Arrangement
for the Mutual Recognition of Surveying Qualifications, Mutual

Recognition Agreement on Medical Practitioners, Mutual
Recognition Agreement on Dental Practitioners, Mutual
Recognition Agreement Framework on Accountancy Services,

and Mutual Recognition Agreement on Tourism Professionals. 50

48 id. at, Article 21(2).
49 See Mutual Recognition Arrangements in Services: ASEAN Professionals on
the Move (ASEAN ed., ASEAN Secratriat).
50 See id. at.
Policy Forum 157

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