The emerging ASEAN approach to mutual recognition: a comparison with Europe, trans-Tasman, and North America

Hamanaka Shintaro and Jusoh Sufian

No 618, IDE Discussion Papers from Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization(JETRO)

Abstract: Existing studies on mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) are mostly based on the European experience. In this paper, we will examine the ongoing attempts to establish a mutual recognition architecture in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and seek to explain the region's unique approach to MRAs, which can be classified as a "hub and spoke" model of mutual recognition. On one hand, ASEAN is attempting to establish a quasi-supranational ASEAN-level mechanism to confer "ASEAN qualification" effective in the entire ASEAN region. On the other hand, ASEAN MRAs respect members' national sovereignty, and it is national authorities, not ASEAN institutions, who have the ultimate power to approve or disapprove the supply of services by ASEAN qualification holders. Such a mixed approach to mutual recognition can be best understood as a centralized mechanism for learning-by-doing, rather than centralized recognition per se.

Keywords: F53 - International Agreements and Observance; International Organizations,F55 - International Institutional Arrangements,International agreements,International economic integration,International trade,Regionalism,Mutual recognition agreement (MRA),Professional qualifications,Trade in services,Hub and spoke,Supranational mechanism,ASEAN (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: F15 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016-09
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-int and nep-sea
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Published in IDE Discussion Paper = IDE Discussion Paper, No. 618. 2016-09

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