ARTICLES

10 Jun 2020

The RCEP in 2020: Covid-19 and Another Casualty?

Sithanonxay Suvannaphakdy

The formation of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a lengthy process. Signing the RCEP in 2020 is not impossible although it can be undermined by the persistent spread of Covid-19.

19 May 2020

E-commerce and Supply Chains: Links of the Same Chain

Gloria Pasadilla

E-commerce is seen as a panacea for the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but it should be seen as one part of a larger and more complex system, involving other elements such as manufacturing and logistics. An ASEAN initiative to address bottlenecks in such systems should be lauded and supported.

ASEAN Asean Trade

30 Apr 2020

ASEAN in the RCEP: Diversions and Reversions

Sithanonxay Suvannaphakdy

Tariff cuts under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership will generate import gains for ASEAN as it will reverse the negative trade-diversion effects caused by the existing bilateral and ASEAN+1 free trade agreements. But there will be firms in ASEAN that have to compete with their counterparts from RCEP countries.

ASEAN Asean Trade RCEP

29 Apr 2020

ASEAN and Covid-19: Sandwiched Between Two Giants

Hoang Thi Ha

ASEAN has found itself in a battle of narratives between China and the United States, as they seek to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. The question is how long the grouping can continue to get the best of both worlds when it comes to major power attention.

ASEAN COVID-19

22 Apr 2020

ASEAN Cities: The Rise of Paradiplomacy

Melinda Martinus

City governments around the world, in particular in Southeast Asia, have been forming multilateral platforms to tackle issues of climate change and income disparity.

ASEAN Smart CIties Sustainable Development

20 Apr 2020

Poor Countries and Covid-19: Flattening the Misery Curve

Jayant Menon

Countries have gone all out to flatten the infection curve of Covid-19. But given the economic costs inflicted on the vulnerable poor, it might be time to think about flattening the misery curve.

ASEAN COVID-19

8 Apr 2020

Global Leadership is Flagging. Can ASEAN or ASEAN+3 Step Up?

Jayant Menon

Both ASEAN and its Plus Three partners – China, Japan and Korea – have been ramping up efforts to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. It is time now for the Plus Three to step up to the plate.

ASEAN COVID-19 Regional Cooperation

3 Apr 2020

Tariff Reductions In RCEP: They Still Matter for ASEAN Trade

Sithanonxay Suvannaphakdy

Exporters in ASEAN are likely to face lower demand for their goods under the 15-nation Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, as three ASEAN dialogue partners – China, Japan and the Republic of Korea – are likely to intensify trade flows among them. This does not mean there is no room for ASEAN to accrue gains from the trade deal.

ASEAN Asean Trade RCEP

1 Apr 2020

Britain and the Asia-Pacific: Global Interests versus Regional Engagement

James Bosbotinis

Britain has intensified its engagement with Asia-Pacific countries, in particular Southeast Asia. But London’s global interests will limit its ability to project a meaningful presence in the region.

ASEAN Defence