Forging the trade-development nexus in the WTO and FTAs

• Main Author: HSIEH, Pasha L.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2023
• Subjects: World Trade Organization; ASEAN; free trade agreements; multilateralization; grant bargain; Doha Development Agenda; Asian Studies; International Trade Law; Regional Economics
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/sol_research/4440
• Institution: Singapore Management University

The chapter sheds light on the evolution of, and criticism against, WTO’s SDT measures. The legalization of pragmatic incrementalism under ASEAN agreements and the RCEP has enabled developing countries to resort to meaningful Grant Bargain that ensures export-based economic growth. In particular, the new development strategy premised on the liberalization of services trade and technology transformation has propelled developing countries to fortify the development goals. Furthermore, the IAI’s multilateralization and the consolidation of development assistance, as well as the institutionalization of ASEAN and RCEP, highlight the strengths of these development-friendly trade agreements. Therefore, these experiences provide valuable lessons for realizing the key objectives of the SDGs and the Doha Development Agenda.