In defence of FTAs : from purity to pragmatism in East Asia

• Main Author: Desker, Barry
• Other Authors: S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: Social sciences::Economic theory::International trade; Social sciences::Political science::International relations; Free Trade Agreements; WTO
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/155481
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This paper discusses the shift in East Asia from a focus on multilateral trade liberalization through the WTO to a pragmatic approach since 1999 favouring bilateral and regional FTAs while continuing to support the WTO system. It is argued that such FTAs are a second-best option compared to WTO agre...