The Impact of ASEAN-China FTA Early Harvest Program: the Case of the Philippines with Focus on Short-run Effects on the Agriculture Sector

This paper aims to provide some information on the implications for the Philippine agriculture sector of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement. In particular, the paper explores the possible impact of the agreement, with emphasis on the Early Harvest Program (EHP). It also provides a brief background on the state of the Philippine agriculture system, the liberalization initiatives undertaken, as well as some policy gaps and interventions done to address these. The paper also revisits a simulation exercise conducted on the possible short-run impact of an EHP to identify the vulnerable sectors.agriculture sector, China, agricultural liberalization, ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement, Early Harvest Program (EHP)

Deliberating a Philippine-US Free Trade Agreement: Issues, Challenges and Prospects

As a result of changing conditions in the world market and increasing global competition, trade and integration arrangements have become a part of economic and development strategies of countries. Bilateral economic partnerships or Free Trade Agreements are seen as an option in creating a stable economy and in creating an environment attractive for investment. However, while there are benefits to gain from an FTA, it should be recognized that FTAs are not a panacea to cure the sluggish economy. It is a strategy that should be carefully crafted, negotiated and implemented. It comes with both benefits and costs. The question then is how to make an FTA work for the country. This paper integrates the findings of the studies which explore the various issues concerning the potential Free Trade Agreement between the Philippines and the United States. It examines the gains, the challenges as well as the opportunities for the Philippines in entering into a bilateral economic partnership with the United States.free trade agreement, competitive liberalization, economic partnership, global trading environment, market access, services trade, investment, intellectual property rights, development goals, development framework

Prospects for Regional Cooperation between Latin America and the Caribbean Region and the Asia and Pacific Region: Perspective from East Asia*

The Asia and Pacific region and Latin American and Caribbean region are two regions divided not only by vast geographic distance, but also by disparities in economics, politics, culture, and history. Most recently, a number of forums explored the possibility of closing such gaps and linking the two regions through various trade and investment initiatives. The opportunities for cooperation abound and could touch on areas that will improve the regional value chain and enhance the innovation and competitiveness of both regions. Interregional cooperation could also help the two regions seek ways to deal with the current global economic crisis through a range of opportunities to stimulate the economy. This paper explores the potential for regional cooperation between the Asia and Pacific region and Latin America and the Caribbean. It also provides some recommendations to enhance the economic partnership of the two regions.regionalism, fora, economic cooperation,

Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA): Toward a Framework for Regional Economic Integration

With less than two years after its ratification, many of the economic gains expected under JPEPA have yet to be realized. But while critics may be quick to judge its failure due to this seeming lack of progress, neither have there been costs and dislocations that should have been more immediately evident. Moreover, the recent trends in trade and investments appear encouraging. Nonetheless, the implementation of JPEPA is wrought with challenges particularly those that involve undertaking internal reforms needed to realize its rich potential and achieve the vision upon which it was established. Being the first bilateral free trade agreement entered into by the Philippines, the performance of and experience with JPEPA are crucial in determining the prospects for negotiated trade agreements with the country. The Philippines cannot afford to slow down with the pace of reform and needs to march aggressively alongside its neighbors in East Asia, which is leading the move towards regional integration. This paper will revisit the seminal studies that examined the desirability of JPEPA with the aim of bringing to the fore the pending actions to generate the expected benefits from JPEPA.Free Trade Agreement, Economic Partnership Agreement, Bilateralism, Regionalism

Corruption and Development, Revisited

Graft and corruption is considered to be one of the biggest threat to development. Several studies had shown the tremendous impact of corruption in the economy. For a number of developing countries, a huge portion of government resources are lost and wasted due to corrupt activities, further plunging the country to poverty and underdevelopment. Various efforts to combat this social ill have been explored. However, the problem continues to persist. This short paper revisits the issue and aims to contribute to the growing literature of understanding corruption in developing economies and creating the necessary policy response. It answers the following questions : What are the different forms of corruption? What drives corruption? What has been done to address the issue? The Philippine case is also briefly discussed.political economy, corruption, development

Prospects for Regional Cooperation between Latin America and the Caribbean Region and the Asia and Pacific Region : Perspective from East Asia

The Asia and Pacific region and Latin American and Caribbean region are two regions divided not only by vast geographic distance, but also by disparities in economics, politics, culture, and history. Most recently, a number of forums explored the possibility of closing such gaps and linking the two regions through various trade and investment initiatives. The opportunities for cooperation abound and could touch on areas that will improve the regional value chain and enhance the innovation and competitiveness of both regions. Interregional cooperation could also help the two regions seek ways to deal with the current global economic crisis through a range of opportunities to stimulate the economy. This paper explores the potential for regional cooperation between the Asia and Pacific region and Latin America and the Caribbean. It also provides some recommendations to enhance the economic partnership of the two regions.Asia Pacific, Latin American, Caribbean, trade, investment, interregional cooperation

Prospects for Regional Cooperation between Latin America and the Caribbean Region and the Asia and Pacific Region : Perspective from East Asia*

The Asia and Pacific region and Latin American and Caribbean region are two regions divided not only by vast geographic distance, but also by disparities in economics, politics, culture, and history. Most recently, a number of forums explored the possibility of closing such gaps and linking the two regions through various trade and investment initiatives. The opportunities for cooperation abound and could touch on areas that will improve the regional value chain and enhance the innovation and competitiveness of both regions. Interregional cooperation could also help the two regions seek ways to deal with the current global economic crisis through a range of opportunities to stimulate the economy. This paper explores the potential for regional cooperation between the Asia and Pacific region and Latin America and the Caribbean. It also provides some recommendations to enhance the economic partnership of the two regions.Regionalism, fora, economic cooperation

Prospects for Regional Cooperation between Latin America and the Caribbean Region and the Asia and Pacific Region: Perspective from East Asia

The Asia and Pacific region and Latin America and Caribbean region are two regions divided not only by vast geographic distance, but also by disparities in economics, politics, culture, and history. Most recently, a number of forums explored the possibility of closing such gaps and linking the two regions through various trade and investment initiatives. The opportunities for cooperation abound and could touch on areas that will improve the regional value chain and enhance the innovation and competitiveness of both regions. Interregional cooperation could also help the two regions seek ways to deal with the current global economic crisis through a range of opportunities to stimulate the economy. This paper explores the potential for regional cooperation between the Asia and Pacific region and Latin America and the Caribbean. It also provides some recommendations to enhance the economic partnership of the two regions. [ADBI Working Paper 217]Asia, Pacific, Latin America, Caribbean, economics, politics, culture, history