ASEAN and Regional Free Trade Agreements

Efforts to use existing trade agreements to build a larger regional agreement face many challenges. This book considers this problem with reference to ASEAN’s current agreements with key partners and the interest to build the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The analysis of the options is framed by a focus on the use of supply chains in international business. Issues considered include those related to reductions in tariffs, trade facilitation, the treatment of investment and of services and the definition of rules of origin. The work is informed by case studies of supply chains in automobile and electronics, and in a professional service sector. The book provides a set of priority actions for better progress in taking a bottom-up approach to building RCEP.

Christopher Findlay took up the position of Executive Dean of the Faculty of the Professions at the University of Adelaide in June 2011. Professor Findlay is also currently vice-chair of the Australian Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation (AUSPECC). Previously he was professor of economics and head of school at the University of Adelaide. Professor Findlay has a PhD and MEc from the ANU and an honours degree in economics from the University of Adelaide. He became a member of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia in 2002 and a member of the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2007. Australia’s economic relations with Asia is the theme of his research.