Development of BIMSTEC Free Trade Area for Thailand in Indo-Pacific

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-205
Author(s):  
Piti Srisangnam ◽  
Chayodom Sabhasri ◽  
Surat Horachaikul ◽  
Jirayudh Sinthuphan4and ◽  
Jittichai Rudjanakanoknad
Keyword(s):  
Free Trade ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Free Trade Area ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Model Studies ◽  
Trade Area ◽  
Trade Analysis ◽  
Global Trade Analysis Project

To develop a policy for creation of economic value and utilise the development of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) free trade area for Thailand, two research tools are adopted in this article. The first one is based on the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) model, adopted as a tool to explore quantitative impacts from the implementation of free trade area. Due to the limitations of the model, however, we have adopted a complementing qualitative analytical framework to ensure that the research must be as comprehensive as possible in every aspect. The qualitative analytical framework chosen in this article is called PEST analysis. Having completed field research, in-depth interviews, focus group meetings and model studies, this article concludes that BIMSTEC is a large-scale market with high purchasing power and growth rate as well as a great source of vast natural and human resources. It is situated not far from Thailand, and at the same time, its social and cultural conditions are very close to those of Thailand’s. It concludes that a stronger BIMSTEC is an essential foundation of Indo-Pacific. JEL Codes: F13, F 15

China-United Kingdom free trade area

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-126
Author(s):  
Shumei Chen ◽  
Dandan Li
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Free Trade ◽  
Free Trade Area ◽  
Economic Effects ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Trade Area ◽  
Simulation Results ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Trade Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to predict the likely economic effects of a free trade area (FTA) on both China and the United Kingdom (hereafter the UK). Design/methodology/approach Following literature review and trade relationship briefing, this paper uses the Global Trade Analysis Project simulation to predict the economic effects of such a FTA on both China and the UK. Findings The simulation results indicate that a China-UK free trade area (hereafter CUFTA) will bring more benefits than harm to both China and the UK, and achieving zero tariff or reducing technological barriers to trade (TBT) is mutually beneficial for both China and the UK, with the growth in GDP, economic welfare as well as import and export. Combining zero tariff and the reduction of TBT in exceptional departments is the most favorable way to improve the macroeconomic effects without bringing damaging effects on the comparative disadvantage industries such as transport equipment, chemicals industries for China and textiles and apparel industry for the UK. Originality/value After the UK voted to leave the European Union, CUFTA is put on the agenda by both the governments, yet there are fewer studies on CUFTA, with this paper being one of the early trials. Besides, based on the simulation results, some policy suggestions will be put forward for future negotiations and industrial policies’ adjustment.

scholarly journals African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement – Does the Facts Support the Benefits for Nigeria?

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 236
Author(s):  
Onwuka Ifeanyi Onuka ◽  
Ozegbe Roseline Oroboghae
Keyword(s):  
Free Trade ◽  
Free Trade Area ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Development Indicators ◽  
Trade Area ◽  
Structural Problems ◽  
Doing Business ◽  
Related Development ◽  
Ease Of Doing Business

Hesitantly, but finally, Nigeria joined the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) with the Nigerian President, Mohammadu Buhari, signing the protocol at the African Union Summit in Niamey on July 7, 2019 based on perceived benefits. This study interrogated the purported benefits for Nigeria using standard trade costs between Nigeria and peer countries in Africa. Using a content analytical framework on a dataset by World Development Indicators and World Integrated Trade Solutions, the study found that average tariff rate in Nigeria is very high when compared to that of her major trading rivals in Africa like Ghana, Egypt and South Africa. Furthermore, the study found Nigeria in a comparative disadvantaged position on the ease of doing business in the same setting. Also, Nigeria’s major export commodity is crude oil and lubricants which has little or no market in the continent. Besides, trade-related infrastructure, especially roads and maritime corridors, in Nigeria is poor even by African standards. With these structural problems, ipso facto, Nigeria may not benefit maximally and comparatively in the enlarged continental market envisioned by the AfCFTA agreement. The study therefore, recommended that Nigerian government should continue to maintain the present cautious approach and refrain from making further commitments on the AfCFTA deal. In the meantime, the country should embark on massive infrastructural and trade-related development, improve the ease of doing business and diversify the economy in order to be in vintage position to exploit the potential opportunities offered by the AfCFTA in the medium-to-long term horizon.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document