Regional Economics

Two classmates in Regional Economics debate over this matter. Student A claimed that for ASEAN to outsmart the European Union in terms of global scale of production, ASEAN must entertain imported goods from the European Union. On the other hand, Student B mentioned that for ASEAN to fight head-on with the EU, it must implement protectionism and entertain solid intra-regional trade. Who is correct? Begin your answer by saying "Student A, or Student B, Both of them, None of them". Then state your reasons. Again, please do not use the examiner as the object or subject of your discussion. This can be done by not using the pronoun "you" in your discussion.