Regional Integration and International Trade: Analytical Models for Latin America and ASEAN

Abstract

The research in this thesis is carried out based on two general observations: First, the lack of alternative regional integration (RI) and trade liberalization (TL) monitoring models. Second is a new regional integration scheme theoretical framework proposal to integrate middle and low income countries1. In recent years, there have been a large number of documents related to regional integration (RI) research. Usually, in the case of RI research is based on economics or political analysis (single-dimensional analysis) under different theoretical frameworks, models, methods and techniques of analysis. These analyses (economics or political) on RI do not offer multi-dimensional analysis based on specific monitoring models to show complex regional integration sequencing and timing for liberalization and integration. However, in the process of building new monitoring models for RI and TL, it is important to consider a conceptualization to be used. In our case we use two basic regional integration schemes, namely Custom Union (e.g. European Union) and Free Trade Area (e.g. NAFTA). However, the implementation of these two regional integration schemes in the regional integration process between middle and low income countries presents many difficulties and poor results. It is due to the above reasons that new regional integration (RI) and trade liberalization (TL) monitoring models are presented in this thesis to offer alternative analytical tools in the study of RI and TL. The new regional integration and trade liberalization monitoring models are intended for the evaluation of existing policies in these two categories of countries (middle and low income countries), and subsequently for the creation and implementation of new policies that fulfill the needs of these countries.

Keywords: ASEAN, Latin America, International Trade, Regional Integration

JEL Classification: F15