Asean Negotiations

The first part of this book looks at ASEAN negotiating styles; the second examines ASEAN's position on collective negotiations with the Third World Countries and blocs on North-South questions for a common front approach on the New International Economic Order. This book is one of six in the "ASEAN Political Studies" series.

This book charts new waters in research on ASEAN by studying the role and cohesion of ASEAN in international forums.

In this large-scale ISEAS study, Razeen Sally looks at Southeast Asia in the World Trade Organization, against the background of national trade policy trends post-Asian crisis, sluggish ASEAN economic integration, and the recent high-speed proliferation of bilateral and regional trade negotiations. ASEAN co-operation in the WTO has broken down, with little prospect of revival. Nevertheless, Sally argues forcefully that Southeast Asia needs a liberal, rules-based multilateral trading system; and that the WTO needs active Southeast Asian participation. ASEAN countries should forge multiple coalitions, revolving around the United States and China, to restore workability and purpose to a lame, crisis-ravaged WTO. This would provide headwind for what matters most: unilateral (national) trade-and-investment liberalization and pro-competitive regulatory reforms to revive and enhance policy competitiveness in the region.

On the historic occasion of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2007, the leaders of the ten-member countries signed the ASEAN Charter. This book captures the insiders' views of the drafting of the Charter. It is suitable for those interested in ASEAN, and international law.

In an age in which it is increasingly necessary for nations to consider their competitiveness and at a time when the world economy is facing recession, this book explores the possible trajectory of ASEAN arguably one of the most dynamic areas in the world as a regional economic and political bloc. This important and timely study focuses on the role of foreign direct investment in advancing the performance of ASEAN and the competitiveness of its firms, whereas other studies typically focus solely on the role of trade. The expert contributors an interdisciplinary assembly of economists, lawyers and political scientists present a comprehensive view of ASEAN s experiences over the past decade, addressing the industrial competitiveness of ASEAN and analysing the role of MNEs against the background of the challenges of integration. They illustrate that regional integration will only be a success if ASEAN s linkages are broadened with global partners through negotiations of Free Trade Agreements. The book concludes that although much still remains to be done, and many promises are still to be unveiled, ASEAN s coming of age is an historic milestone. Competitiveness of the ASEAN Countries will appeal to a broad readership including students, academics and researchers with an interest in Asian studies, international business, international economics and international law.

The reform of Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) is a subject of ongoing debate in international institutions, yet an ASEAN perspective on the subject has been largely absent to date. This book addresses that gap by presenting, analysing and assessing ISDS reform from an ASEAN perspective, taking into account the experience, needs and concerns of ASEAN as a community and of its member states.

The Enterprise for ASEAN Initiative (EAI), as envisaged in 2002 by the Bush administration, is set to be a landmark in U.S.-ASEAN trade relations. This study provides a detailed background and a map to the unfolding negotiations. It includes: a detailed review of the U.S.-ASEAN economic relationship, beginning with coverage of the U.S.-ASEAN trade in goods globally and ending with an in-depth analysis of the changing structure of bilateral trade in services; reviews of theories of FTAs and empirical testing of the economics of the EAI itself. Using the USSFTA as a reference point, this study identifies and highlights the special bilateral issues that will likely be involved in the ongoing EAI FTA negotiations. The EAI is considered in the context of a changing global, Asia-Pacific and sub-regional environment. Finally, the book makes a case for the EAI, focusing on policy motivations - that is, as a defensive strategy for ASEAN and a proactive commercial policy approach for the United States - as well as a strategic imperative for both. The Economics of the Enterprise for ASEAN Initiative is intended to inform governmental, and nongovernmental policy-makers, trade analysts, economists, and researchers who need to have a comprehensive guide to this major trade initiative.

A comprehensive review and analysis of the ASEAN Economic Community's legal and institutional foundations, insightful to policymakers, practitioners, and businesses.