Asian Nations Research Articles

The Impact of RCEP Tariff Concessions on Intra-Regional Trade: An Analysis of Trade Creation and Diversion

This study delves into the economic ramifications of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), particularly focusing on its tariff concessions and their influence on intra-regional trade dynamics within the Asia-Pacific region. By encompassing 15 East Asian and Pacific nations, RCEP stands as the world's largest trading bloc, accounting for approximately 30% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This research aims to dissect the core objectives of RCEP, emphasizing the significant tariff concessions that aim to eliminate up to 90% of the tariffs within the bloc over a stipulated timeline. Through a comprehensive analysis, this paper explores the dual phenomena of trade creation and trade diversion as intrinsic outcomes of RCEP's tariff concessions. Initial findings project an increase in intraregional exports by nearly 2%, translating to an augmentation of approximately US$42 billion. This surge in trade volume is attributed to the lowered costs of goods due to reduced tariffs, fostering economic growth and integration of regional markets. However, the study also highlights the nuanced impacts of trade diversion, where trade shifts from more efficient external sources to less efficient member states, induced by preferential treatment within the bloc. Furthermore, the paper navigates through the challenges and opportunities presented by RCEP, including the harmonization of trade policies and regulatory standards across diverse economic landscapes. The research underscores the strategic implications for RCEP member countries, advocating for a multifaceted approach to leverage the benefits of the agreement while mitigating potential downsides. This study contributes to the broader discourse on regional economic cooperation and integration, offering insights into the complex interplay between trade policies and regional dynamics in the Asia-Pacific.

The patriarchal Western gaze and the discursive policing of fandom: “Koreaboo” as stigma

The derogatory label “Koreaboo,” used to stigmatize Korean popular culture fans, suggests Korean media's movements are treated as a contaminant rather than a welcome presence. In this research project, I conducted focus group research and analyses of Reddit threads to understand the ways women fans of color in this study interpret and navigate taste hierarchies that mock women's interests in celebrities and texts from a racialized Asian nation. Korean popular culture fans of color reject “Koreaboo” for themselves, but they project the label onto “bad” White fans, who are perceived as having inappropriate fannish interests that deviate from popularly held standards of intercultural and interracial fan interest. The self-disciplining within fandom distances itself from the Western patriarchal gaze by re-directing its focus. Even when fans of color seek Korean media to escape White hegemony and heteronormative patriarchy, they internalize and react to its gaze in their fan practice.

Analyzing the impact of remittance, FDI and inflation rate on GDP: A comparative study of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri-Lanka using VAR and BEKK-GARCH approach

This study examines the impact, conditional correlation and volatility spillover effect of remittances, foreign direct investment and inflation rate on GDP in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri-Lanka, three Asian nations that are particularly vulnerable. While numerous studies have examined the relationship between remittances, FDI and IR on GDP but this paper approaches advanced econometric techniques to capture spillover effect and the dynamic interactions between the variables. For estimation purposes the study employs different econometric techniques such as Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test, VAR model, Granger causality tests, Impulse Response function, Variance Decomposition and BEKK-GARCH model. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka's REM, FDI and IR have no significant effects on GDP according to the VAR model. BEKK-GARCH demonstrates that three countries have both unidirectional and bidirectional transmissions of volatility, with the exception of Pakistan's REM and Bangladesh's FDI. We find that VAR model may not be adequate in capturing the complex dynamics between variables, which can be better captured by BEKK-GARCH model. Our comparison research shows how these variables affect GDP differently and similarly in each of the three nations, giving policymakers information they can use to create customized policies that encourage economic growth.

Breaking the Silence: Unveiling Child Abuse in Bangladesh

Child abuse is a grave global concern that goes beyond geographical, cultural, and socio-economic boundaries. Bangladesh is a country characterized by its rich cultural heritage and diverse population. It’s a densely populated South Asian nation, that has made significant strides in improving various aspects of human development over the past decades. However, despite these advancements, child abuse remains a significant challenge that demands urgent attention. Child abuse takes various forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, and neglectful abuse, each leaving scars that can impede a child's potential to thrive and contribute positively to society. Moreover, the intricate tapestry of socioeconomic disparities, traditional practices, and limited access to education and healthcare services further compounds the vulnerabilities of children, often exposing them to increased risks of exploitation and maltreatment. This paper will delve into the prevailing cultural norms and societal attitudes that might perpetuate child abuse, exploring how traditional beliefs and practices intersect with modern challenges. By analyzing statistical data, academic research, and expert opinions, the study will provide a nuanced understanding of the scale of the problem, helping to identify gaps in current policy frameworks and protective mechanisms. Additionally, the research will scrutinize the role of various stakeholders, such as government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies, in addressing child abuse in Bangladesh.

Toxicological Impact of Brick Kiln Emissions on the Liver of Brick Kiln Workers and Residents

Pakistan is the third-largest brick-producing nation in South Asia, behind China and India. In Pakistan, there are over 20,000 brick kilns and 1.8 million brick kiln employees, 50% of them are in Punjab. Brick kilns in rural Punjabi communities like district Narowal still use antiquated methods and are subject to bad laws, which has a negative impact on people's health. A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Narowal district from January 2021 to January 2022 to examine the toxicological effects of brick kiln emissions on the liver. The participants were divided into three groups based on their demographic profiles in order to examine the relationship between appropriate liver function indices, such as ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin, and demographic factors like age, BMI, smoking index, and length of employment among exposed (residents and workers) and control groups. The outcome demonstrated that exposed workers and residents had mean ALT (p, 0.001), AST (p, 0.001), and ALP (p, 0.002) levels that were considerably higher than reference values. Bilirubin, a measure of the liver, remained negligible. Blood chemistry tests cannot establish the presence of liver disorders. Therefore, molecular-based follow-up investigations are required to assess the health concerns related to emissions from brick kilns.

The role of renewable energy and foreign direct investment toward environmental degradation convergence to achieve sustainability: evidence from ASEAN countries

The role of renewable energy and foreign direct investment toward environmental degradation convergence to achieve sustainability: evidence from ASEAN countries

CO2 Emissions Mitigation in ASEAN Countries: The Role of Renewable Energy Use and Financial Development

The nations comprising the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) face a pressing need to enhance environmental sustainability, given their substantial reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to 5.2% of global CO2 emissions. Thus, understanding the pivotal role of renewable energy in this context is paramount. This research employs a panel vector autoregression method to analyze the interplay of financial development, renewable energy, and CO2 emissions across ASEAN nations from 1990 to 2020. Findings reveal that while renewable energy consumption shows an insignificant impact on carbon emissions, financial development, and economic growth significantly and positively influence emissions. Conversely, labor exhibits a notable negative correlation with CO2 emissions. Moreover, a bidirectional relationship exists between financial development and economic growth, as well as between labor and GDP. Additionally, unidirectional links are observed from capital formation to CO2 emissions, from renewable energy utilization to fossil fuel dependency, and from renewable energy usage to capital formation. These outcomes underscore the inadequacy of current financial systems in fostering environmental sustainability, highlighting the urgent need for integrating environmental considerations into their operations.

Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Rainfall Thresholds of Geological Landslide Disasters in ASEAN Countries

Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Rainfall Thresholds of Geological Landslide Disasters in ASEAN Countries

Evaluating REDD+ progress and results-based incentives in Sri Lanka: A comparative analysis across Southeast and South Asian countries

This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of REDD+ progress in South and Southeast Asian nations, investigating the intricate relationship between specific conditions and outcomes. Utilizing a two-step Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), it identifies the Outcome Enabling Configurations (OEC) that drive successful REDD+ results through transformational change (TC). The amalgamation of conditions observed in Sri Lanka demonstrates moderate effectiveness in REDD+ readiness and implementation. Key QCA insights underscore the significance of active participation in forest conservation, government policies shifting from conventional forest practices, and accessible funds for performance-based incentives, underpinned by formal commitments among stakeholders. Inferences drawn emphasize the need to synergize remote and proximate conditions within institutional and policy frameworks, propelling transformative change in REDD+ policies. Concurrently, interventions in existing forest, climate change, and REDD+ policies are pivotal to enhance core aspects and mitigate pressure on forest resources. Moreover, dynamic monitoring and adaptability are vital for advancing REDD+ goals, particularly in the evolving landscape of developing nations’ implementation.

Do HR practices for employee lifecycle influence organisational outcomes equally in Asia? Evidence from the Indo-Thai food sector

PurposeThe primary purpose of this contextual study was three-fold: (1) to study the effect of HR practices on employee lifecycle (ELC) on organisational outcomes; (2) to investigate the mediating role of employee outcomes in the relationship between HR practices and organisational outcomes; (3) to assess the differences in HR practices of the Indian and Thai food processing industries.Design/methodology/approachThe study used random sampling to select 574 (278 Indian and 296 Thai) HR managers in food processing industries. A structured questionnaire was administered. The PLS-SEM was used to validate the relationships, while multiple group analysis (MGA) was employed to compare the HR practices.FindingsThe results revealed a significant influence of HR practices on organisational outcomes. Employee outcomes also mediate this influence. MGA results showed no significant variation in the effect of HR practices on organisational outcomes between India and Thailand.Practical implicationsHR practices must be aligned to suit country-specific business contexts to achieve organisational outcomes by improving employee outcomes. The findings would guide managers of the Indian and Thai food industries to develop tailor-made HR strategies.Originality/valueThis study contributes to comparative HRM in the Asian context by offering an empirically tested framework. Additionally, this comparative research offers insightful information on convergent best practices among Asian nations.

Eco-innovation policies for food waste management: A European Union-ASEAN comparison

This study investigates the impact of eco-innovation policies on the reduction of food waste in the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Eco-innovations are a range of new technologies and practices that aim to tackle the global food waste crisis. These innovations not only promote economic growth but also contribute to sustainability and social well-being. Guided by circular economy principles, governments play a critical role in fostering eco-innovation. This study compares policy approaches in five developed nations from EU (Germany, France, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland) and five developing nations from ASEAN (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam). These countries were chosen due to their diverse economic profiles and varied food waste management strategies. Documentary analysis and PESTEL analysis of policies reveals that both regions leverage regulations, incentives, and awareness campaigns to encourage eco-innovation within the food sector. However, challenges remain in areas such as infrastructure and consumer behavior. This research emphasizes the potential of eco-innovation policies to achieve Sustainable Development Goals related to food systems, highlighting the value of knowledge sharing and collaboration between the EU and ASEAN to address this urgent global issue.

The implications of the ecological footprint and renewable energy usage on the financial stability of South Asian countries

This study explores the complex relationships involving ecological footprints, energy use, carbon emissions, governance efficiency, economic prosperity, and financial stability in South Asian nations spanning the period from 2000 to 2022. Employing various methodologies such as cross-sectional dependence tests, co-integration analysis, and first- and second-generation unit-root tests, we use a panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag model, feasible generalized least squares, and Panel Corrected Standard Errors to ensure the robustness of our findings. We find noteworthy positive correlations between several variables, including heightened ecological consciousness, effective governance structures, increased GDP per capita, and amplified CO2 emissions. These relationships suggest potential pathways to strengthen the financial stability of the entire region; they also highlight the latent potential of embracing ecologically sustainable practices to fortify economic resilience. Our results also underscore the pivotal role of appropriate governance structures and higher income levels in bolstering financial stability in South Asian countries. Interestingly, we also find negative coefficients associated with the use of renewable energy, suggesting that escalating the adoption of renewable energy could create financial instability. This finding stresses the importance of diversification in energy strategies, cautioning policymakers to carefully consider the financial ramifications of potentially costly imports of renewable energy sources while seeking to reduce carbon emissions, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between ambitious sustainability goals and the pursuit of sustained economic robustness in the region. In considering the implications of these findings, it is crucial to consider each country’s broader socioeconomic context. Our results offer valuable insights for policymakers in developing renewable energy strategies.

India and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization: In search of a middle ground

AbstractThe Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit (2023) in virtual format only exposed the growing disconnect between India and the members of this multilateral framework. Given the precarious state of India's relations with its immediate neighbors, China and Pakistan, and the growing camaraderie between Beijing and Moscow, this article examines the reasons behind New Delhi's continued need to engage with this multilateral framework. While India seeks to use the SCO as a “bridge” to improve its ties with Central Asian nations and act as a “check and balance” within the organization, Beijing's ascendancy as the “primary” external actor in the Af‐Pak and Central Asia region has meant that India's ability to gain advantages from its association with the SCO will be severely limited. As the protracted war in Ukraine continues unabated, India's attempts to find a “middle ground” between competing interests and principles will be put to the test.

The Critical Role of Energy Intensity in Decarbonizing ASEAN: Integrating Growth and Emissions Reductions

This research analyzes drivers of CO2 emissions across ASEAN countries from 1971-2017 to inform effective policies for sustainable decarbonized development. The goal is to identify critical factors influencing emissions growth and reductions to guide strategic climate mitigation planning. Data includes 3128 emissions, GDP, population, and energy consumption observations from 9 ASEAN nations. Results using the Kaya Index and Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index decomposition reveal GDP growth and population as primary drivers of increasing emissions, while energy efficiency dampens growth. Indonesia saw the highest emissions growth, driven by population and economic expansion. Thailand's phenomenal GDP growth of 3003.7% led to its emission increases. Singapore and the Philippines achieved notable reductions. Findings suggest integrated policies like clean energy, efficiency gains, infrastructure planning, and low-carbon economic reform are needed. Transitioning towards affordable clean energy systems with proactive leadership can enable ASEAN to sustain growth while mitigating climate risks. Further research should identify optimal policy mixes to maximize socio-economic progress and welfare while meeting urgent emission targets tailored to each nation. This study provides vital insights into key factors influencing ASEAN emissions and highlights pathways towards sustainable decarbonized development. The analysis of historical trends aims to inform strategic policymaking for decarbonization.

The Impact of Open Trade on Economic Growth in ASEAN Developing Countries

Trade openness promotes industrialization and has a significant impact on a nation's economic development. Increased economic growth can be a result of foreign investment, and state revenue can rise as a result of significant exports of domestic goods. This study aims to assess how economic trade openness affects the economic development of ASEAN nations. Cross-sectional and time-series analyses were conducted using panel data between 2013 and 2022. The study demonstrates that whereas FDI and positive and major economic growth, exports and positive and large economic growth, and imports and negative and insignificant economic growth, are all associated with significant inflation and negative economic growth. It is anticipated that the nation will raise the standard of goods to promote commerce and economic progress.

Evaluation of the exit screening policy among travelers arriving from Asian and pacific nations

BackgroundThe Japanese government has instituted border control measures against COVID-19, including entry and exit screening of people arriving from overseas. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the exit screening policy in Japan in reducing the risk of importing COVID-19 cases among travelers from Asian and Pacific countries.MethodsThe study period was stratified based on the timing of exit screening: (i) the control period (the pre-exit screening period from 25 October 2020 to 16 January 2021), (ii) the time period with the Alpha variant from 17 January to 10 April 2021, and (iii) the time period with the Delta variant from 2 May to 2 October 2021. Incidence data in the countries of origin were used to adjust for the risk of infection among travelers. The positivity rate of entry screening in Japan was compared among the three different study periods, adjusting for the risk of infection in the country of origin.ResultsThe adjusted relative risk of positivity was greatly reduced and substantially below the value of 1 during the Alpha variant period compared with the control period. Although the relative risks increased when comparing the Delta variant period against control, the estimate remained below 1, except for among travelers from India and Myanmar. The relative risk reduction was greatest in high-income countries, with estimates of 100% and 96% risk reduction during the Alpha and Delta variant periods, respectively, followed by upper-middle-income countries with estimates of 90% and 76%, respectively.ConclusionsEven in the presence of the Alpha and Delta variants, exit screening clearly reduced the risk of infection among travelers arriving from Asian and Pacific nations. As the testing relies on the country of origin, the effectiveness varied greatly by the socioeconomic income status and epidemiological situation of those countries. Test standardization and quality assurance may be required in low- and middle-income countries.

Evaluating the impact of Trans-Asian railway on logistics mode selection between Thailand and China: An AHP-TOPSIS approach

The newly opened Trans-Asian Railway offers opportunities for trade logistics between China and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). This study selected six factors including cost, time, transport volume, reliability, safety, and environmental friendliness to investigate the impact on logistics for trade between China and ASEAN. It explores the most ideal solution for the Sino-Thai logistics route by using the AHP-TOPSIS approach and ranks the current five Sino-Thai logistics routes. The results indicate that the Sea-land transport (0.787) is still the best option, the Kunming-Bangkok Roadway (0.452) came in second, followed by the newly opened Trans-Asian Railway (0.431); The Nanning-Bangkok Roadway (0.373) ranks second to last, and the river-land transport service (0.249) is the last resort. In this sense, the newly opened Trans-Asian Railway would influence the current pattern of Sino-Thai logistics to some extent. The results will offer insight into the managerial decisions for the Sino-Thai trade.

Impact of human capital and natural resources on environmental quality in South Asia

AbstractThis study examines the importance of human capital and natural resources on environmental quality in South Asia by using panel data that ranges from 1975 to 2021. Advanced cointegration approaches establish the long-term linkages between human capital, natural resources, economic growth, economic growth squared, urban population, industrial value added, and ecological footprint. To explore the long and short-run association among these variables, this study applied the panel autoregressive distributed lags (ARDL) model. The outcome designates that human capital has a negative and significant alliance with environmental quality, whereas economic growth and economic growth square affect environmental quality positively and negatively, confirming the existence of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis. Urban population growth and natural resources have significant negative associations with environmental pollution, whereas industrial value added increases the pollution levels in South Asia. Lastly, the outcome of the interaction between human capital and natural resource rent on the ecological footprint has a significant positive effect. This study recommends that South Asian nations improve their human capital to promote industrial modernization, expansion of green technology, and energy-efficient habits. Utilizing natural resources also helps South Asian nations maintain a clean ecosystem. Additionally, South Asian nations ought to vigilantly track the negative consequences of industrialization on the atmosphere. Thus, ecological sustainability requires human capital and natural resources.

Examining 35 years of individualism-collectivism research in Asia: A meta-analysis

Traditionally, research in communication and culture (e.g., “cross-cultural communication,” “intercultural communication,” “international communication”) has examined the notions of individualism (IND) and collectivism (COL) extensively. However, the results of these studies are sometimes inconsistent, as documented in previous meta-analyses. This study posits that the theory-data inconsistency can be attributed to accelerated globalization, particularly, improved economic and political situations within traditionally under-developed or developing Asian nations. To examine this prediction, 99 IND-COL studies published between 1988 and 2023 were compiled that compared the U.S. to Asian countries (N = 87,735, kIND = 131, kCOL = 156), and augmented with national-level socio-political indices (i.e., percent of urban population, gross domestic product, democracy) as predictors of the IND-COL effects. Partially consistent with this study’s prediction, Asian nations with improved socio-political conditions manifested a decline in collectivism. However, these improvements with time did not predict an increase in individualism. The results are discussed in relation to the theoretical definitions of IND and COL, and the limitations of the traditional approach to understanding cross-cultural differences.

Impact of green logistics on Vietnam's regional trade

This study investigates the impact of green logistics on Vietnam's regional trade within the frameworks of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) from 2007 to 2020. Employing a newly formulated Green Logistics Performance Index (GLPI) derived through Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the research assesses how sustainable logistics practices influence trade performance. An extended gravity model is utilized to analyze the impact of green logistics across different regional trade agreements. The findings suggest that improved green logistics correlate positively with enhanced trade outcomes, highlighting the dual benefits of sustainability efforts in the environmental and economic realms. The study contributes to the limited empirical research on the intersection of green logistics and trade in Vietnam, offering a methodological approach for future analyses in this field. It provides valuable insights for businesses and policymakers aiming to align economic growth with sustainability objectives.