Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation: The Goods Market

Abstract

This articles into the static and dynamic effects of free trade areas such as the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). It emphasizes the political economic role by these groupings in a step-by-step process of opening up and liberalization. It also examines some of the costs of joining APEC and what may be done to ease the process of adjustments.