Comparative methods of collegiate, faith learning integration
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Transcript of United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies UNU/CRIS 1The United Nations...
United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies
UNU/CRIS
Regional Trade Agreements in Asiaand
The Multilateral Trade System
Dr. Brigid GavinUnited Nations University
Comparative Regional Integration Studies
United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies
UNU/CRIS
Outline of Presentation
• ‘New Regionalism’ in Asia• Assessing the Impact of RTAs• WTO Rules on RTAs• Implications for the MTS• Conclusions
United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies
UNU/CRIS
New Regionalism in Asia• New trend since 1990s• ASEAN FTA in 1992• Goal: Economic Community 2020• ASEAN + 3: Framework Agreements
with China, Japan and South Korea• East Asia: 16 FTAs in exisxtence and
22 under negotiation
United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies
UNU/CRIS
2 New Aspects• New Direction
– Traditional strong support for WTO– From multilateralism to regionalism?
• New Trade Issues– Slow progress at WTO level– RTAs advance on new issues
United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies
UNU/CRIS
How to assess RTAs?• Policy makers: Impact
assessment?• Traditional approach to tariffs:
– Trade creation vs. trade diversion
• Recent approach to rule-making: – rules for new trade issues? – Coherence or fragmentation for global
trade?
United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies
UNU/CRIS
WTO rules for RTAs• RTAs recognised since 1947• WTO rules not clear and precise• New Committee on RTAs: 1996• No progress made on systemic
rules• Current Situation: each RTA judged
on inidvidual basis
United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies
UNU/CRIS
Assessing FTAs in Asia • Manufacturing
– East Asia has already low MFN tariffs – Intensive trade in ‘Factory Asia’– FTAs will contribute few benefits– Risk: rules of origin will increase costs– Need for pan-Asian system of
cumulation
United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies
UNU/CRIS
Agriculture• Agricultural trade relatively small• Currently: sensitive sector• Collapse of Doha Round• Changing patterns of production• China may become major importer• Future: potential for regional trade
United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies
UNU/CRIS
Services• Current FTAs: not beyond GATS• Services growing faster than goods• East Asian countries major
exporters• 2 models of liberalisation: GATS
and NAFTA• Implications for financial services?
United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies
UNU/CRIS
Conclusions
• Too early to say whether ‘building blocks’ or ‘stumbling blocks’
• Benefits: ‘faster’ liberalisation as MTS negotiations are stalled
• Risks: rules of origin and different regulatory models in services
United Nations University - Comparative Regional Integration Studies
UNU/CRIS
Thank you