Genetic distance, cultural differences, and the formation of regional trade agreements

The article considers the global trend towards regional trade agreements (RTA). The authors note that in addition to the common bilateral RTAs, countries conclude multilateral regional trade agreements. In particular, the article examines changes in the world economy, which occur under the influence of the mega-regional trade agreements (MRTA) formation. An example of the MRTA is the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) and its possible impact onRussiais discussed in the present article. The authors discuss the stages of TPP development, its goals, provisions, innovations and prospects. The article analyses an example of a country’s withdrawal from an agreement, its’ consequences and possible impact on the country itself and other signatory countries to the agreement. The article points out the differences between TPP and TPP-11. Inparticular, the article discusses the possible impact of the TPP-11 onRussia. Trade relations betweenRussiaand TPP-11 signatory countries are considered, and key markets among TPP-11 countries are identified. The article highlights the importance ofRussia's rapid response to the possible consequences of the TPP-11, including the possible conclusion of bilateral trade agreements between the EAEU, whereRussiais a member, and potential partners from TPP-11 countries.

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Do regional trade agreements promote international trade? New empirical evidence from the East African Community

Journal of International Trade & Economic Development ◽

10.1080/09638199.2021.1930110 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-34

Author(s):

Francis Ejones ◽

Frank W. Agbola ◽

Amir Mahmood

Keyword(s):

International Trade ◽

Empirical Evidence ◽

Trade Agreements ◽

Regional Trade Agreements ◽

East African ◽

Regional Trade ◽

East African Community ◽

African Community

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Regulation of Special Economic Zones Through Regional Trade Agreements: Confronting the Synergy Issue

Journal of International Economic Law ◽

10.1093/jiel/jgab016 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Manjiao Chi

Keyword(s):

Economic Development ◽

Policy Making ◽

Trade Agreements ◽

Legal Framework ◽

Regional Trade Agreements ◽

Special Economic Zones ◽

International Level ◽

Regional Trade ◽

Economic Zones ◽

Rule Making

ABSTRACT Special economic zones (SEZs) and regional trade agreements (RTAs) are frequently used by states as policy tools to promote economic development. As SEZs and RTAs overlap in geographical coverage and regulation areas and are implemented in parallel, they could create profound synergies. As there is no specialized international legal framework for SEZ regulation, and national SEZ laws seldom touch upon the synergy issue, SEZ regulation is largely left to RTAs at the international level. Yet, existing SEZ-related provisions in RTAs almost exclusively focus on trade in goods and appear insufficient in addressing the synergy issue—especially ‘new synergies’ created by ‘advanced SEZs’ and ‘deep RTAs’. To properly address the synergy issue, states should treat SEZ policy-making and RTA rule-making in a coordinated way and consider adopting a regional or multilateral approach in SEZ regulation.

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