All member countries of ASEAN have very abundant natural resources. Interestingly, each country has resources and commodities with their own advantages, biological and non-biological natural resources.
The availability of featured resources provides many benefits to every country in Southeast Asia, especially in improving people's welfare and encouraging development in the country's economic sector through trading featured resources with fellow ASEAN members. So, what resources do ASEAN member countries have?
Indonesia
Indonesia is still known as a country with abundant natural resources. One of its featured resources is palm oil. Indonesia has been named the largest palm oil exporter in the world.
Besides, Indonesia is listed as a crude oil and natural gas supplier. Indonesia is also trusted to be a major exporter of rubber, coffee, chocolate, fish, and various spices.
Malaysia
Located in a highland area surrounded by mountains, Malaysia is dominated by many natural resources. Of the many natural resources it has, rubber is Malaysia's mainstay. It said that as much as 40% of the world's rubber commodities come from Malaysia.
Thailand
This country is known as the rice granary of Southeast Asia. The reason is because Thailand is the largest rice producer in Asia. Thailand still has many potential resources often used as export commodities, such as rubber, teak, and tin.
The Philippines
As an agricultural country, the Philippines' economy relies on natural resources in the agricultural sector: sugar cane, rice, coconut, bananas, corn, coffee, and pineapples. On the other hand, the Philippines is rich in mining products that play an important role in the country's economic development, namely gold, silver, copper, iron ore, and oil mining.
Brunei Darussalam
Until now, Brunei Darussalam is still famous for its petroleum and natural gas mining products. Thanks to the potential of these natural resources, Brunei Darussalam has the highest per capita income in Southeast Asia.
Vietnam
Vietnam is rich in marine resources. It makes Vietnam superior in exporting seafood: shrimp, squid, crab, and lobster. Besides, Vietnam is also dominated by agricultural resources such as rice, sugar cane, cassava, corn, sweet potatoes, and beans.
Cambodia
Cambodia is an ASEAN member country, having rice and rubber as its primary commodities. Cambodia's mining sector produces copper, iron, manganese, and gold as supporting commodities.
Laos
As a country without sea, Laos' economy depends on agricultural products: rice, sweet potatoes, sugar cane, corn, tobacco, coffee, and fruits. Besides, Laos' resources also produce many superior mining materials: tin, copper, gold, and silver.
Myanmar
The agricultural sector is one of the leading natural resources as a source of income in Myanmar. In addition, Myanmar is also an ASEAN member country that is rich in minerals, such as iron ore, oil, natural gas, and gemstones.
Singapore
Singapore is one of the countries in Southeast Asia that does not have leading natural resources. Instead, Singapore focuses on developing the service industry, trade, and tourism to boost its economy.
Timor Leste
Despite being the smallest country among other ASEAN member countries, Timor-Leste has abundant natural resources. Some are corn, potatoes, coffee, petroleum, and gold.
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