ARTICLES

19 Apr 2022

System Reset? Unlocking Domestic Data Flows to Enhance ASEAN E-Commerce

Sithanonxay Suvannaphakdy

ASEAN has been unable to take full advantage of the rapid growth of electronic commerce, given uneven levels of openness in data flows within and across the region. Strengthening domestic and regional regulations in this sector will unleash the region’s potential to help its post-pandemic recovery.

8 Apr 2022

ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance: Putting Money Where the Mouth Is

Sharon Seah

An ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance is a significant move for ASEAN. But it does not come without challenges.

ASEAN Asean Trade Climate Change Finance Southeast Asia Sustainable Development

24 Mar 2022

U.S.-China Rivalry in Regional Economic Cooperation: Opportunities and Challenges for ASEAN

Sithanonxay Suvannaphakdy

China’s membership in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the prospect of its accession to the CPTPP further increase China’s role in supporting the rules-based multilateral system to which the U.S. is making a steady but selective comeback.

Asean Trade ASEAN-China Relations ASEAN-U.S. Relations China-U.S. Relations

17 Mar 2022

Reaping the Benefits of RCEP: From Utilisation to Exports

Tham Siew Yean

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has come into force, but member countries have their work cut out for them in seeking to raise utilisation rates and exports.

Asean Trade International Trade RCEP

11 Mar 2022

The Intractable Challenges Facing Energy Trade in Southeast Asia

Ryan Wong|Lee Poh Onn

A cross-border power grid offers Southeast Asian countries the potential of greater energy security, affordability and sustainability. But thus far, the lack of urgency in sharing energy to achieve long-term security across the region is palpable.

ASEAN Asean Trade Energy

25 Feb 2022

Chinese Membership in the CPTPP: Greater Benefits Than Downside Risks

Sithanonxay Suvannaphakdy

The State of Southeast Asia survey finds that, on balance, a majority of Southeast Asians view Chinese CPTPP membership positively, for the world economy and for China. 53.2 per cent of ASEAN respondents perceive that having China in the CPTPP will provide economic benefits to China, the United States, and other CPTPP partners.

Asean Trade China-U.S. Relations CPTPP

15 Feb 2022

Harnessing RCEP to Harvest ASEAN’s Unicorns

Tham Siew Yean

Can regional free trade agreements facilitate further development of start-ups and unicorns in ASEAN? The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement does just that by providing an expanded regional market, bolstering protection of intellectual property and enhancing rules in services and e-commerce.

Asean Trade RCEP Technology

7 Jan 2022

Paperless Trade in ASEAN: A Long Way To Go

Sithanonxay Suvannaphakdy

Digitalising paperless trade across ASEAN will help the grouping strengthen supply chains amid the Covid-19 pandemic. But ASEAN has a long way to go.

ASEAN Asean Trade

13 Dec 2021

Omicron: Threat to ASEAN’s Trade Recovery

Sithanonxay Suvannaphakdy

The new Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus could impact trade in goods and services in ASEAN economies due to increased travel restrictions and the risk of more lockdowns.

Asean Trade COVID-19 Open Borders RCEP Southeast Asia

29 Nov 2021

World Trade Organisation Talks: Make or Break

Jayant Menon|Richard Pomfret

The second postponement of the World Trade Organisation’s 12th Ministerial Conference, may only compound its woes. When they meet, a looming North-South divide and the long-standing consensus rule could stymie progress in many areas.

Asean Trade World Trade Organisation