The discussions on the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP) have evolved in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings since 2004 when the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) presented a study suggesting a possible integration of the Asia-Pacific region. The most recent...

The Philippines has been more cautious in its policy toward free trade agreements (FTAs) than other ASEAN member-states, having signed, so far, only one bilateral agreement with Japan in addition to the various ASEAN+1 agreements. While the government is expected to progressively reduce...

Studies find increasing frequency, intensity, and impacts of natural disasters, especially as they interplay with the negative effects of climate change, environmental degradation, and rapid urbanization. The financial implications could be massive, especially in terms of damages on private...

With overlapping, multiple free trade agreements (FTAs), such as the case of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the various ASEAN+1 FTAs, complications that run counter to the economic integration objectives of the East Asian region could arise. Forging the Regional...

The study identifies outstanding issues and bottlenecks and provides recommendations to facilitate the Philippines' full compliance to its commitments to the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). Various in-depth interviews and surveys were conducted with concerned stakeholders from government...

Recognition of the adverse effects of protectionist policies has lead to the Philippine government to undertake major trade reforms in the 1980s and 1990s having efficiency and competitiveness as objectives. This study analyzes the impact of Philippine trade and investment policies on economic...

Asia is not only the most polluted and environmentally degraded region in the world, but it also houses the most number of poor households. Hence, the magnitude of the financial and economic crisis can be expected to have an impact in the region's sustainable development prospects, the nature...

Significant trade and industrial reforms have been instituted for more than a decade now. While the economy has been growing by more than 6%, there are recent indicators that cast doubts over the optimism on the reforms. In light of the recent developments, this paper discusses the impact of...

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...