Regional Cooperation Agreement Research Articles

Transforming Disaster and Emergency Health Policy for Contemporary Hazard Threats–a Multi-country Review

Introduction:Strengthening national disaster management legislation and policy is critical for preventing and reducing catastrophic health effects from the growing threat of natural hazard disasters. Although evaluations of the effectiveness of legal and policy instruments are rarely published, similar approaches continue to be applied universally by governments to align their response to disaster impacts. This study analyzed and contrasted the effect of disaster legislation and policy on the emergency health and medical response to six complex natural hazard disasters, including typhoon, earthquake, flood, smoke haze, thunderstorm asthma and the COVID-19 pandemic.Method:The study applied qualitative multi-case study methodology and used a standardized program logic model to synthesize and analyze the effect of national disaster legislation and policy on emergency health and medical responses. Events were case-bounded by date, more than 9,000 casualties, and local emergency responses provided health and medical care.Results:Four themes emerged critical to health system response. Where legislation and policy provided clear separation of powers, systems delineated roles and responsibilities, provided clarity and process for assessment, resource acquisition, and operational mandates. Policies that created dedicated local networks and included non-health related organizations, accelerated coordination of crucial health functions for rapid mobilization and prioritization for affected populations. In all but one case, the hazard was closely monitored, already affected communities, and catastrophic risk to life understood, before the declaration and statutory powers were invoked.Conclusion:Using ‘declarations’ as the legal instrument to initiate ‘whole of government’ resources in disasters requires urgent review, especially where advanced hazard monitoring systems exist. Disaster and emergency health policy should support action orientated toward exposure mitigation, inclusion of non-traditional health actors and partnership building. International policy mechanisms are required to address emerging health threats not locally prioritized and advance regional cooperation agreements when the impact of hazards harm populations outside geographic boundaries.

Regional Cooperation and Free Trade Agreements in Western Balkans: Opportunities and Obstacles

Regional Cooperation and Free Trade Agreements in Western Balkans: Opportunities and Obstacles

REGIONAL DIGITAL ECONOMY IN THE DANUBE MEMBER STATES UNDER THE IMPACT OF THE NEW CHALLENGES

The paper aims to analyse the changing economic structure and the trends of the digitalization amplification through the prism of a dynamic multi-criteria model, assessing the strategic perspective by pivoting digitalization in the strategic equation. The main objectives of the research cover the context of vulnerability across the EUSDR countries, the solutions from the literature review and the definition, testing and implementing of a new dedicated model. The model takes into account regional indicators, reported by Eurostat. Statistical analysis procedures and methods were applied in order to capture the expected disparities under the impact of the pandemic, as well as harmonization with European Strategy for Danube Region (EUSDR) – specific impact indicators. The analysis uses la latest official statistical data from Eurostat. The importance of this scientific approach lies in the fact that the results are applicable to the wider region, the vast majority of the Danube states being EU members (9 states), 3 candidate states and 2 potential candidate states in the new geo-political and military context. States that are not yet EU members have regional and cross-border cooperation agreements with the EU. Moreover, the region itself has reacted in a unified way to the challenges of the economic and pandemic crises, the study being conducted over the period 2004–2020. In addition, EU Member States have additionally benefited from European emergency allocations to counter the effects of the global economic crisis and stem the spread of the pandemic. We used empirical and analytical methods, starting with the study of literature, data collection and consolidation of the database, its homogeneity and the application of modelling procedures. The major key findings are focused on the existence of a strong connection between investment effort, labour skills, sustainable development and the digital economy able to face new global and regional challenges. The policy implication of this research consist in offering viable elements capable of assisting regional decision-makers in adopting topical measures on digitisation and reconfiguring strategic regional connections to maintain a sustainable direction for the EUSDR. The recommendations from this study imbraca forma some directions for action related to labour high skills, digitalization, R&D investment and e-commerce.

Impacts of regional cooperation agreements on international tourism: Evidence from a quasi-natural experiment

Using the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a quasi-natural experiment, this paper constructs the Propensity Score Matching and Difference-in-Differences regression approach (PSM-DID) to explore the impact of regional cooperation agreements (RCAs) on international tourism. This paper also firstly quantifies the mediating effects of five different channels on the impacts of RCAs on international tourism, especially an “unimpeded trade” indicator is constructed using complex network model. Furthermore, heterogeneity test was conducted according to the economic development level and geographic location. The results show that the BRI can significantly promote the development of international tourism in member countries, especially presenting significant economic and geographical heterogeneity. The BRI mainly affects inbound tourist flows through facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, and people-to-people bonds. The empirical evidence presented here provides a decision-making reference for boosting the development of international tourism by promoting regional cooperation.

Impacts of Regional Cooperation Agreements on International Tourism: Evidence from a Quasi-Natural Experiment

Impacts of Regional Cooperation Agreements on International Tourism: Evidence from a Quasi-Natural Experiment

The Anti-Maritime Piracy Law in India and Malaysia: An Analytical Study

ABSTRACT Sea piracy is one of the greatest threats to trade and commerce on high seas. According to the annual report 2020 of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP), a total of 97 incidents (comprising 95 actual incidents and two attempted incidents) of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported in Asia in 2020. The number of incidents was just double the last year's 2019 sea piracy cases. The incident of piratical attacks affected Asian Countries and particularly Southern Asia and Southeast Asia is the most affected area. Southeast Asia covered 41 percent of total pirate attacks during 1995-2013. Although India and Malaysia are geographically differently located both are mostly affected by these incidents of sea piracy and it has a long-standing history to fight against piracy. India has proposed the Anti-Maritime Piracy Bill, 2019 to curb this menace in tune with the United Nations Convention on the Law of Seas (UNCLOS), 1982, and Malaysia has the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Act, 2004. The present study analyses the concept of piracy in Asian countries and its international and national legal framework to deal with piratical attacks. It is found that Southern Asia and particularly Southeast Asia is one of the most affected areas in piratical attacks. Further, there is no specific legislation to deal with piracy in India and Malaysia. Therefore, India and Malaysia should have strong domestic legislations for the apprehension and prosecution of pirates.

Why Asian states cooperate in regional arrangements: Asian regionalism in comparative perspective

Regional cooperation in Asia takes place in formal Regional Organizations (ROs) as well as in less formal Regional Fora (RF). In addition, unlike in other parts of the world, Asian regionalism mainly developed in one instead of two waves. Especially after the end of the Cold War, Asian countries created numerous ROs and RF. Over time, Asian states became members of several ROs and RF at the same time, thereby contributing to Asian regime complexity. Given that multiple memberships in regional cooperation agreements can place high demands on diplomatic and financial resources of member states, the fact that Asian states became members in between one and 17 ROs and RF is puzzling. This article investigates why Asian countries join regional cooperation agreements. Based on a theory-guided empirical analysis that combines quantitative and qualitative methods, it argues that hedging and economic interests are the main driving forces behind Asian regionalism and that these motivations are often interlinked.

Revealing Indonesia's Reluctance to Participate in the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP)

The Vision of President Jokowi to create Indonesia as a world maritime axis meets a variety of challenges. Piracy and armed robbery are the real threat faced by each state, in particular, Indonesia as a maritime (archipelagic) state. The escalation more is realized in real life. For facing the challenges, states in Asia create The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP). Unfortunately, Indonesia is not joining the regional cooperation that makes this phenomenon is very interesting to investigate. Therefore, this article argues that Indonesia's foreign policy did not ratify ReCAAP's regional cooperation was identified from various factors including systemic sources, societal sources, governmental sources & idiosyncratic sources. This article uses a qualitative research method with a case study approach. Data collection techniques in this article use a literature study where is sourced from several kinds of literature. This article concludes that the four factors above that influenced Indonesian policy did not ratify the ReCAAP regional cooperation.

Legalitas Perjanjian Kerja Sama Luar Negeri Pemerintah Daerah Di Masa Pandemi Covid-19

The aims of this study is to analyze the legality of regional foreign cooperation agreements during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research is a normative juridical study, with the type of library research. In order to support this research process, the approach used is a statute approach and a conceptual approach. The results show that the legality of the regional government foreign cooperation agreement is related to the status of the regional government which is an extension of the central government through regional autonomy given the authority to carry out international cooperation through an agreement. This authority must be exercised by taking into account the potential of natural resources and the needs of the community, especially during the COVID 19 pandemic.

How collaboration impacts in the market orientation-performance relationship of SMEs? A perspective from belt and road initiative

Purpose This article extends knowledge of market orientation (MO) and strategic collaboration by analyzing MO-collaborations in the context of firm performance of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach A proposed framework built on the Knowledge and resource-based theory was tested using Structural Equation Modelling with data collected from 171 SMEs. Findings This research study supported the direct impact of market orientation on performance as well as the mediating role of collaboration in this focal relationship and assumed it would have a significant role in SME’s performance. Practical implications These findings have noteworthy implications for managers. Managers can focus on potential collaboration in order to acquire the needed assets. Owners-mangers should closely evaluate the FTAs, economic corridors, and regional cooperation agreements like BRI as these sources can lead them to collaboration with international partners. Additionally, it provides insight for entrepreneurs, business practitioners, and stakeholders of SMEs that are already operating or plan to increase their market share. Originality/value The study findings give interesting bits of knowledge to academia, entrepreneurs, and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Given that market orientation and collaboration must proceed in parallel to improve firm performance, Assets like MO provide valuable knowledge and information about partners, which will lead to further valuable information to help the SME succeed. This study further extend the KBV theory recommendation that information and knowledge on collaboration works better and integration will be more successful in ‘resource rich’ firms.

COMBATE AOS ILÍCITOS EM ÁREAS DE FRONTEIRA

As características da fronteira brasileira e a complexidade do combate aosilícitos transnacionais impõem dificuldades e desafios ao Sistema Integrado deMonitoramento de Fronteiras (SISFRON). De forma a sugerir alternativas quecontribuam para maximizar a efetividade do SISFRON, esta proposta investigativaanalisa o modelo adotado pelo Acordo de Cooperação Regional no Combate àPirataria e ao Roubo Armado a Navios na Ásia (ReCAAP) e, por meio do métodocomparado, busca identificar possíveis instrumentos/melhores práticas adaptáveisao contexto do SISFRON.

Is There Any Potential in Service Trade of South Asia?

Like many developing economies, services have emerged as crucial economic activities in South Asia; yet, this cannot increase the rapid growth in the intra-trade in the region. To find out the service trade potential in the region, this article uses revealed comparative advantage indices to assess the comparative advantage and the indicative trade potential of different South Asian countries in various services sub-sectors. The study reveals that there stands complementarities in the trade of services as Pakistan and Sri Lanka have a competitive advantage in Transport Services, while India has a competitive advantage in Computer and Information Services and Other Business Services. In travel services, Maldives and Nepal possess competitiveness, while Bangladesh in Government Services. The study reveals that competitive services have not explored the potential yet. India being the most robust economy of the region must provide a pivotal role in making negotiations and commitments under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Agreement on Trade in Services (SATIS), particularly in competitive services.JEL: F1, G2, F5

Collaborative Agreement between the Regional Government of West Nusa Tenggara and the Private Sector through the Elements in the Build Operate Transfer System

This study aims to examine the arrangement of regional cooperation agreements with third parties through the Build-Up System based on Indonesian laws and regulations, and how the parties regulate the rights and obligations of the parties in the regional cooperation agreement with third parties in West Nusa Tenggara through the Build-Up pattern This research is a normative study so that the approach used is the legislative approach and case approach. The results of the research show that the legal source of cooperation in the management of goods belonging to the region is Law No. 23 of 2014 concerning Regional Government, Government Regulation No. 50 of 2007 concerning Procedures for Implementing Regional Cooperation, Regional Regulation of West Nusa Tenggara Province No. 8 of 2007 concerning Management of Regional Property.

Values and Norms Matter: Ketidakikutsertaan Indonesia dalam Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships (ReCAAP)

This article examines Indonesia’s choice to not join the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP). Piracy is a transnational crime that requires cooperation to deal with. Asian waters has a high level of piracy, especially in the Malacca Strait and Indonesian Waters. ReCAAP, as a regional institution, was formed to deal with piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asian waters. Indonesia has been choosing not to join ReCAAP to combat piracy and armed robbery against ships. The purpose of this article is to explain the causes of Indonesia’s rejection to join ReCAAP. This article uses literature study by collecting related data piracy in the Malacca Strait and Indonesian waters. Beside, this article collecting related data about Indonesia foreign policy. In the end, this article shows there are non-material factors that influencing Indonesia’s behavior not to join ReCAAP. The non-material factors are historical, values, and norms.Keywords: Indonesia, piracy, Malacca Strait, maritime cooperation, ReCAAP, values, norms

Values and Norms Matter: Ketidakikutsertaan Indonesia dalam Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships (ReCAAP)

This article examines Indonesia’s choice to not join the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP). Piracy is a transnational crime that requires cooperation to deal with. Asian waters has a high level of piracy, especially in the Malacca Strait and Indonesian Waters. ReCAAP, as a regional institution, was formed to deal with piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asian waters. Indonesia has been choosing not to join ReCAAP to combat piracy and armed robbery against ships. The purpose of this article is to explain the causes of Indonesia’s rejection to join ReCAAP. This article uses literature study by collecting related data piracy in the Malacca Strait and Indonesian waters. Beside, this article collecting related data about Indonesia foreign policy. In the end, this article shows there are non-material factors that influencing Indonesia’s behavior not to join ReCAAP. The non-material factors are historical, values, and norms.Keywords: Indonesia, piracy, Malacca Strait, maritime cooperation, ReCAAP, values, norms

Why Do Countries Enter into Regional Trade Agreements Insights from the Literature

The world trading system witnessed a rapid rise in the formation of Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs), particularly in the post-WTO period. Despite a large number of studies conducted in this area by the trade economists, there are divergent views on the outcome of RTAs on world trade as well as there is no unanimity on the desirable mechanism of trade liberalization. The paper looks into various theoretical arguments and empirical explanations that support or opposes RTAs. A careful review of the studies identified the underlying conditions that are required for the successful functioning of the RTAs. Even though regionalism is discriminatory in nature, it enjoys as a preferred method of trade liberalisation among nations as it provides immediate results to the trade policy initiatives. The paper concludes that for the successful functioning of the RTAs, they should be carefully calibrated by identifying trade creating partners and accommodating the interests of the local stakeholders. Also, successful regional cooperation agreements should stimulate multilateral initiatives.

Interstate Arbitration in International Tax Disputes

The proliferation of interstate alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms, such as joint tax vetoes and mutual agreement procedures, as well as investor–state tax-related arbitration, are the chief reasons for the decline of interstate arbitration (or other forms of adjudication) in tax matters. The article argues that interstate arbitration is envisaged, apart from energy pipeline agreements, as a residual dispute settlement mechanism, but the relative success of ADR has limited interstate arbitration to a limited set of contexts and cases. The following instruments typically serve as submission agreements, namely: bilateral investment treaties, bilateral tax treaties, multilateral regional economic cooperation (or free trade) agreements and pipeline treaties. Ultimately, as the article concludes, a hybrid system that combines: (i) the direct involvement of the taxpayer; (ii) the efficiency of institutional arbitration; and (iii) the transparency guarantees of interstate arbitration is perhaps the way forward.

Tenth Anniversary of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combatting Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia

Tenth Anniversary of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combatting Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia

Political-economy dynamics matter most to Africa's regional integration

The world economy is increasingly integrated, a development marked by the dominance of global and regional value chains. This has been accompanied by a proliferation of bilateral, regional, mega-regional and cross-regional economic cooperation agreements and integration initiatives.

Regional Cooperation and Multilateral Agreements in the Provision of Public Safety

Although much has been written about interlocal agreements for the delivery of services, few studies have examined the factors that influence the establishment of different types of multilateral agreements (MLAs). To address this lacuna, the authors draw a distinction between an adaptive and restrictive MLA and seek to understand why local governments enter into one type of arrangement over the other. The authors build our theoretical argument on the basis of previous research that suggests agreements are designed to minimize the uncertainties associated with transaction risk. On the basis of this premise, the author’s general proposition is that the decision to establish an adaptive MLA is shaped by the asset specificity and measurability of the goods and services of the transaction. The authors utilize data on public safety agreements among municipal and county governments in the state of Florida. Findings suggest that local governments are more likely to form an adaptive MLA when goods and services are relatively high in service measurability difficulty and when both high and low asset specificity exit.