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Research Project 03/001

Title: Issues and Options for the Work Programme to Eliminate Non-tariff Barriers in AFTA

Brief Description: The elimination of non-tariff barriers must be given priority attention as any benefit accruing from the reduction of tariffs will be impaired with the continued application of unnecessary non-tariff barriers. In order to promote a common understanding and approach to NTBs/NTMs identification and monitoring in the ASEAN Region, this study will: (1) review the current international and regional trends or situation in the use of NTBs/NTMs and the approaches or modalities employed at the multilateral and plurilateral levels to deal with these; (2) critically survey the conceptual, methodological, and operational/practical issues involved in identifying and monitoring the incidence and prevalence of NTBs/NTMs; (3) provide an extensive discussion of the key elements of a work programme to eliminate NTBs/NTMs in AFTA; and (4) recommend other measures to strengthen surveillance activities of the relevant ASEAN bodies.

Sponsor: Bureau of Economic Cooperation, ASEC

Research Project 03/002

Title: Preparing for Electricity Trading in ASEAN

Brief Description: Consistent with the goal of economic integration, ASEAN seeks to develop and strengthen the regional infrastructure by developing networks of electricity grids, gas and water pipelines. In support of such objective, there is a need for the institutionalization of the policy framework and implementation modalities for the early realization of the trans-ASEAN energy networks covering the ASEAN Power Grid and the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline Projects. The study will assist ASEAN member countries prepare for regional power interconnection and electricity trading and contribute toward the formulation of a common policy for power interconnection and trade in ASEAN. Key outcomes include: (a) a critical examination of the key issues and policies for electricity trading in ASEAN and a review of existing electricity trading arrangements; (b) an evaluation of the benefits, drawbacks and risks; (c) an assessment of the present capacity of each ASEAN member country to participate in power interconnection and electricity trade; and (d) recommended common policy and cooperative framework for ASEAN power interconnection and trade, identifying both short-term and long-term strategic objectives, actions, policy options and indicative implementation schedule.

Sponsor: Bureau of Economic Cooperation, ASEC

Research Project 03/003

Title: Harmonization and Integration of Customs Valuation Policies and Practices in the ASEAN Region

Brief Description: The uniform, predictable and transparent application of international instruments facilitates international trade whilst ensuring compliance with national laws and regulations. The WTO Valuation Agreement is the sole valuation system having international application, and all ASEAN Member Countries have committed to adopting the Agreement as the basis for Customs valuation throughout the region. Criticism is often received from the international trading community regarding alleged inaccurate and inconsistent application of the principles of the WTO Valuation Agreement by ASEAN Member Countries. Such practices result in a lack of certainty and clarity for international and regional traders, and significantly impede the ASEAN objectives of trade liberalization and facilitation. This study will provide: (a) an assessment of the extent to which the principles of the WTO Valuation Agreement are being observed in the region; (b) analysis of contributing factors for compliance and/or non-compliance; (c) evaluation of institutional capacities to apply the Agreement; (d) estimates of the regional impact, including revenue impact, for both government and industry; and (e) recommendations on policy and capacity building measures to achieve the harmonization and integration of customs valuation policies and practices in the ASEAN region.

Sponsor: Bureau of Economic Cooperation, ASEC

Research Project 03/004

Title: A Background Paper for the Strategic Plan of Action on ASEAN Cooperation in Food, Agriculture & Forestry (2005 – 2009)

Brief Description: The Strategic Plan of Action on ASEAN Cooperation in Food, Agriculture & Forestry (1999 – 2004) is about to conclude. To assist ASEAN in the formulation of the next Strategic Plan of Action, the background paper must provide: 1. A comprehensive discussion of prevailing and dominant international issues in food and agriculture; 2. A thorough analysis of significant changes and trends in the food and agricultural sectors in individual Member Countries and the region as a whole; 3. A critical evaluation the Strategic Plan of Action on ASEAN Cooperation in Food, Agriculture & Forestry (1999 – 2004); and 4. Detailed and practical recommendations on the direction and scope for ASEAN cooperation in food and agriculture for the next five-year Strategic Plan of Action to reflect emerging challenges and opportunities.
Sponsor: Food, Agriculture & Forestry Unit of the Bureau of Functional Cooperation, ASEC

Sponsor: Food, Agriculture & Forestry Unit of the Bureau of Functional Cooperation, ASEC

Research Project 03/005

Title: Maximizing the Contribution of IP Rights (IPRs) to SME Growth and Competitiveness

Brief Description:There is a need to improve the ASEAN framework of IP policies and IPR infrastructure in order to enhance the contribution of IP and IPRs to the growth and competitiveness of SMEs and collaborative networks of business firms across ASEAN. There have been very few studies on the impact and implications, plus related policy issues, of IPRs on SMEs in Asia. The proposed study on IPRs and SMEs within ASEAN would be the first to be carried out collectively for this region and will have the following key outcomes: (a) discussion of SMEs and IP creation and the contribution of IPR protection to SME growth and competitiveness; (b) case studies of good practices by business firms developing, exploiting, protecting and managing IP assets and related IPRs; (c) analysis of constraints and bottlenecks on the development, exploitation, protection and management IP assets and related IPRs; (d) recommended policy and other measures for the promotion of more effective and sustained IP and IPR development and cooperation involving regional SMEs; and (e) recommended policy and other measures to facilitate business enterprises, including SMEs, in their planning for the acquisition and licensing and adaptation of IPRs.

Sponsor: Bureau of Economic Cooperation, ASEC

Research Project 03/006

Title: A Background Paper for the Next ASEAN Plan of Action to Enhance Economic Integration (2005 – 2010)

Brief Description: By 2004, ASEAN Leaders will set into motion a new plan of action reflecting the region’s priorities and strategies for the next six years in line with the broad vision for ASEAN in 2020 as “a concert of Southeast Asian Nations, outward looking, living in peace, stability and prosperity, bonded together in partnership in dynamic development and in a community of caring societies.” Vision 2020 also seeks “to create a stable, prosperous and highly competitive ASEAN Economic Region in which there is a free flow of goods, services and investments, a freer flow of capital, equitable economic development and reduced poverty and socio-economic disparities.” This study will be used as an input in the formulation of ASEAN’s economic cooperation agenda in the next six years to achieve closer economic integration and make a significant leap towards Vision 2020. Specifically, the study will have the following key outcomes: a) a review the external environment of ASEAN as a regional economic bloc; b) an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of ASEAN as a regional economic bloc; c) an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Hanoi Plan of Action, its programs and activities, in enhancing economic integration and d) concrete recommendations on the direction, focus and the scope (in terms of programs and activities) for ASEAN economic cooperation for the next six years.

Sponsor: Bureau of Economic Cooperation, ASEC

2006 Research Program - click here for research project information

2005 Research Program - click here for research project information

2004 Research Program - click here for research project information

2002 Research Program - click here for research project information

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