The PRC in the WTO: Impact on Trade and Investment in the SEACEN Countries

This study aims to analyse the impact on trade and investment in the SEACEN countries following China¡¯s entry into the WTO. The study finds that there is an increasingly urgent need for the SEACEN countries to build their own niches and make full use of China¡¯s business opportunities and huge export market especially in light of China¡¯s accelerating economic growth, growing role in the world¡¯s supply base of manufactured goods, magnetic appeal to international technology and capital, and aggressive expansion of export. Only by raising their competitiveness and becoming an integral part of the global division of labour can the SEACEN countries avoid being left out of the global supply chain. The study also points out that each SEACEN country has its own unique competitive advantage while closely related to and complementing each other in economy and trade. Regional economic cooperation should be promoted to minimise possible negative impact from China¡¯s entry into the WTO.