Value-Added Chains in the Tourism Sector of Southeast Asia and Prospects for Russia - ASEAN Cooperation

The research is devoted to two aspects: trade in services and value chain in the tourism sector in Southeast Asia, and the prospect of partnership between Russia and ASEAN. It presents the author's assessment of economic liberalization and integration within the ASEAN countries. The study is conducted through the prism of the theory of complex interdependence, put forth by Robert Keohane and J. Nye. It is noted that trade in services, specifically tourism is a key sector of the economy for all Southeast Asian countries. At the same time, the strengthening of the relations of the Southeast Asian countries on the development of tourism and the economy of services is an important foundation for the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community. By developing value added chains, Southeast Asian countries have successfully connected to the global tourism industry. The modern relationship between ASEAN and Russia is characterized by the readiness and willingness of the states to raise relations to a completely new level, with access to Great Eurasian space. Through increasing people-to- people contact and enhancing tourist exchange, Russia and ASEAN can unleash their potential and find new opportunities to increase mutual partnership. Keywords: trade in services, value chain, tourism, Southeast Asia, ASEAN economic community, people-to-people contacts, increase connectivity, Russia-ASEAN partnership.