By Kornkarun Cheewatrakoolpong
Thailand has been actively involved in the GMS programme since its creation. While intraregional trade has increased substantially, there are concerns about how the programme fits with the ASEAN, ASEAN-China and other triangular initiatives, as well as the slow implementation of some of the main initiatives. This paper therefore examines the importance, involvement, influence, impact and interest of
This paper evaluates the potential contribution of both trade and business facilitation measures to trade and export competitiveness, as well as the potential gains from adopting a more integrated and coherent approach to trade and business (investment) facilitation. The analysis confirms that measures aimed at reducing the behind and at-the-border cost of exporting, such as reduction in customs and port fees and charges and improvement in transport infrastructure and logistics services can be expected to have a significant impact on trade.
This paper reviews the progress in trade-related areas of ASEAN Economic Community to be established by 2015. It provides empirical evidence and qualitative analysis on how the process of trade integration worked and what could have been done for it to have worked better. Where appropriate it elaborates on forces or institutions driving the process of integration. The paper uses descriptive statistics and some off-the-shelf indicators to track progress in trade integration which is the main pillar of building ASEAN Economic Community.
