Comments on: Emerging regional architecture in Asia http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2008/09/07/emerging-regional-architecture-in-asia/ Economics, Politics and Public Policy in East Asia and the Pacific Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:50:38 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2 By: Greg Lopezhttp://www.eastasiaforum.org/2008/09/07/emerging-regional-architecture-in-asia/comment-page-1/#comment-329 Greg Lopez Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:28:49 +0000 http://eastasiaforum.wordpress.com/?p=1090#comment-329 Dr. Kumar has provided an optimistic view of what a regional trade arrangement can do - if it is done quickly and comprehensively. However, one view of the ASEAN + India and ASEAN + 6 is that it is too wieldy and bringing into play countries with too many diverging interests. The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and its larger ASEAN Community is set for 2015. Taking an optimistic view - assume that it will achieve its goals (big assumption). Japan, South Korea and New Zeland are developed economies with clearly defined trade liberalisation strategy and experience. China, since 1978 has taken systematic efforts promoting trade liberalisation and has been successful to date. Which leaves India, whose economic reforms have been protracted. I'm wondering if this ASEAN + India agreement will see two regions with problems in managing democracy and economic development and therefore diverging interests (ASEAN among its 10 members) and India (in its union) and between ASEAN and India bog down resources in endless negotiations as India is unflatteringly known for. While Indian companies look at opportunities in ASEAN, it would be worthwhile if Indian and ASEAN trade negotiators could quickly clear the path for their business counterparts to actually do business. Dr. Kumar has provided an optimistic view of what a regional trade arrangement can do – if it is done quickly and comprehensively.

However, one view of the ASEAN + India and ASEAN + 6 is that it is too wieldy and bringing into play countries with too many diverging interests.

The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and its larger ASEAN Community is set for 2015. Taking an optimistic view – assume that it will achieve its goals (big assumption).

Japan, South Korea and New Zeland are developed economies with clearly defined trade liberalisation strategy and experience.

China, since 1978 has taken systematic efforts promoting trade liberalisation and has been successful to date.

Which leaves India, whose economic reforms have been protracted. I’m wondering if this ASEAN + India agreement will see two regions with problems in managing democracy and economic development and therefore diverging interests (ASEAN among its 10 members) and India (in its union) and between ASEAN and India bog down resources in endless negotiations as India is unflatteringly known for.

While Indian companies look at opportunities in ASEAN, it would be worthwhile if Indian and ASEAN trade negotiators could quickly clear the path for their business counterparts to actually do business.

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