Emerging Mega-FTAs: Rationale, Challenges, and Implications

Siow Yue Chia ()
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Siow Yue Chia: Singapore Institute of International Affairs

Asian Economic Papers, 2015, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-27

Abstract: This paper examines the recent emergence of mega–free trade agreements, namely, the Asian-centric Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. In a comparative context it discusses the rationale for their emergence; their distinctive membership features, objectives, and negotiating agendas; their quantifiable benefits and dissenting voices; issues and challenges; and likely outcomes. Aspirations for “high standards” are unlikely to be met because their negotiating timelines are repeatedly missed as negotiators struggle with political, diplomatic, commercial, economic, regulatory, and technical issues. Although negotiations appear relatively simple at the outset, their complex and daunting hurdles will ultimately limit their impact on the world trading system. © 2015 The Earth Institute at Columbia University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Keywords: mega-free trade agreements; Asian-centric Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership; Trans-Pacific Partnership; Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership; negotiation; world; world trade; world trading system. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: F10 F13 F17 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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