The formation of free trade agreements (FTAs) has been set in motion worldwide and its conclusion does not appear imminent in the near future. In the face of such developments, the Philippines is hard pressed to formulate a more rational FTA policy framework to deal with not just external, but...

With less than two years after its ratification, many of the economic gains expected under JPEPA have yet to be realized. But while critics may be quick to judge its failure due to this seeming lack of progress, neither have there been costs and dislocations that should have been more...

Within the context of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Scorecard mechanism developed by the ASEAN Secretariat to monitor the implementation of the AEC Blueprint, the study focuses on the current state, performance and impact of investment liberalization and facilitation, trade facilitation,...

The study takes off from an earlier inquiry on the effects of HCV (home consumption value) valuation. This study is intended to assist policymakers as well as the private sector in their task of deciding whether to implement or postpone the adoption of the GATT Valuation Code (GVC) by January 1,...

The paper looks into the major factors which affect the efficiency of product market. In particular, the paper examines the policy environment, which could induce better resource allocation, foster dynamic efficiency and thereby increase the productivity of the industrial sector. This policy...

The paper attempts to provide a theoretical analysis as well as some indicators on the linkage between trade policy and the environment. It looks at what has happened to the share of manufacturing industries by pollution classification over time and finds that the share of...

Although justification for competition policies is well founded in the economic literature, there is a need to understand their implications more fully, brought about not just by what is happening in the global arena but even more importantly by various comprehensive policy reforms that have...

This short paper attempts to lay down the framework and basic principles for the optimum interface between competition policy and infrastructure regulation. Competition policy should address exclusionary and exploitative acts and discipline firms when such acts are committed. In certain cases,...

As a result of changing conditions in the world market and increasing global competition, trade and integration arrangements have become a part of economic and development strategies of countries. Bilateral economic partnerships or Free Trade Agreements are seen as an option in creating a stable...

The last two decades have witnessed a tremendous increase in global trade and investments. This has been followed by a shift in the pattern of FDI inflow, which had gradually become more favorable to the developing countries. Consequently, this resulted in an increase in competition among...