Regional Economic Integration Research Articles

Enhancing logistics performance measurement: an effectiveness-based hierarchical data envelopment analysis approach

The logistics performance index (LPI) is a comprehensive and comparable composite index developed by the World Bank to assess a country’s logistics and trade facilitation environment. However, the existing LPI relies on externally assigned weights. To enhance LPI scores, this study adopts an effectiveness-based hierarchical data envelopment analysis method that internally allocates objective weights based on the dataset. Such endogenous weight information can provide additional valuable insights for countries to prioritize and strategize efforts to enhance their performance in the future. The results of this study indicate that focusing on improving the policy category yields greater benefits than improving the service category in terms of ranking national logistics performance. Furthermore, this study finds that logistics performance is influenced by income levels and geographical area. Income levels impact the regulatory and trade facilitation environment, with varying income levels leading to different priority policy areas. Geographical location also plays a crucial role in regional economic integration and trade facilitation. A favorable geographical location reduces costs and time while enhancing supply chain predictability and reliability. It is hoped that this study serves as a valuable resource for countries in identifying optimization strategies to improve their logistics performance.

Land Transportation Infrastructure and Economic Growth: An Assessment of the SADC Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan

This Southern African Development Community (SADC), as a regional economic integration organization in Africa, has 16 member countries with rich natural resources and tourism resources, attracting the attention of global investors. Although the region's transport infrastructure is among the leading in Africa, it still lags far behind global standards. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the current state of transport infrastructure in SADC, with a particular focus on road transport facilities within the region. Based on SADC's official "SADC Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan Transport Sector Plan, 2012", this paper evaluates the current situation of its road transport infrastructure and conducts an in-depth analysis of the future road development plan in the plan. This research aims to reveal the challenges faced by SADC at the infrastructure level, and provide a comprehensive and in-depth perspective for policy makers, investors and other relevant stakeholders. At the same time, this study can provide some new ideas for future research and provide new solutions to the problems of transportation infrastructure in the SADC region.

Perspectives on Engagement of Non-State-Actors in Regional Integration in SADC Region’s AfCFTA Context

The role of Non-State Actors (NSAs) in the SADC regional integration was approved by the Council of Ministers in 2022. The Council gave the NSAs the mandate to participate in the regional integration agenda and contribute into SADC policy development, roll out, monitoring and evaluation. Ironically, there are no clear systematic mechanisms providing for NSAs’ engagement within the SADC structures and processes despite existence of SADC institutions. The coming in of the AfCFTA agreement sought to create a single African market thereby creating opportunities for NSAs. To date no noticeable increase in Africa intra-trade has been recorded. The study therefore, examines the perspectives on engagement of Non-State-Actors in the context of Regional Integration focusing on SADC region. The findings show that state actors are not involving non-state actors as they discuss regional economic integration agreements. The researcher recommends that valuable additions to regional economic integration and strengthening should be premised on an environment where policies and regulations are formulated from a consultative and inclusivity of NSAs. It is concluded that, when NSAs explore regional markets or create regional value chains, they facilitate regional economic integration from the bottom-up approach through their activities.

Impact of Regional Economic Integration on Trade and Investment

Economies that have a negotiated regional trade agreement (RTA) are liberalising various economic norms among member nations (including trade, investment, environment and other strategic parameters) to strengthen long-term flows of goods, services and capital. Hence, numerous studies have been conducted to empirically examine the impact of regional integrations on trade and investment using various econometric tools and techniques. The present study was an attempt to state and identify the contribution of such studies. An insight into the existing literature depicted varied results; rather than: some studies stated that the regional economic integration is facilitating world trade and also supporting the flow of capital among member nations, whereas few studies depicted a non-collaborated association between RTA and trade/investment. Further, a review of the literature depicted that few RTAs still need to work towards enhancing the depth of trade and investment provision to further strengthen the flows of trade and investment in the years to come.

Direct and indirect influence of natural resources and regional integration on green growth: Exploring the role of political risk in South Asia

Within the context of sustainability, an integral focus of ongoing research is centred on cultivating economic expansion that prioritizes environmental friendliness and reduces resource dependence. This approach is commonly referred to as green economic growth. Hence, the present study strives to explore the heterogeneous effects of regional trade and economic integration, natural resource reliance, and political risk while also examining how regional integration index combined with natural resource factors influences the green growth trajectory of selected south Asian countries. The cross-sectional dependence and slope heterogeneity of the countries have been examined. Stationarity properties are checked before proceeding to the long-run relationship and empirical estimation procedure. Method of Moments Quantile Regression is employed to understand the variables' asymmetric association. The outcomes revealed the positive influence of regional integration on green growth, while political risk and natural resources pose a negative impact. It can be observed that the negative consequences of natural resources are neutralized with higher trade and financial integration. Lastly, the causality test is used to investigate the causal association between the variables. The outcomes imply that Asian countries emphasize shaping natural resource extraction policies and stabilizing their political situation to get the maximum benefit from green growth.

Do Bilateral Trade Co-Operations and Agreements on Exports Have an Influence on Regional Economic Integration in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC)? A Case Study of Namibia.

Do Bilateral Trade Co-Operations and Agreements on Exports Have an Influence on Regional Economic Integration in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC)? A Case Study of Namibia.

Do Bilateral Trade Co-operations and Agreements on Exports Have an Influence on Regional Economic Integration in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC)? A Case Study of Namibia.

Do Bilateral Trade Co-operations and Agreements on Exports Have an Influence on Regional Economic Integration in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC)? A Case Study of Namibia.

Migration Policy, Net Migration Rates, & The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of ASEAN Member States (2012 – 2022)

Over the past 10 years, the ASEAN region has experienced robust economic growth, driven by several factors including increasing foreign investment, growing domestic consumption, and favorable demographics. Statistics show that migration of workers make up a significant portion of the labor force in the ASEAN region. Asia has a long history of international migration, but in recent years it has grown in scope, diversity, and significance. Several factors have contributed to ASEAN's economic development, including government initiatives to improve the business environment, investment in infrastructure, and efforts to promote trade and regional economic integration. Migration-development discourse and existing studies recognize the potential role of migrants in boosting economic situations. The average annual growth rate of ASEAN's GDP was around 5% between 2011 and 2019, with some countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines growing at a much faster pace. Despite comprising only about 1.5% of the global economy, there is no denying that the contribution of countries like Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand is still highly significant in the context of East Asia. The objective of this study is to describe the intricate relationship between migration and domestic development. This paper took notes on the changes in ASEAN nations' immigration policies over the past ten years and observed how these have affected the patterns of net migration and economic performance. Understanding the linkages between migration and economic performance becomes crucial for understanding how sustainable development, social harmony, and long-term prosperity is affected by human movement.

O Corredor Internacional de Transporte Norte-Sul (INSTC) e a Índia: potencial e impedimentos

ABSTRACT The model corridor stretching from Mumbai (India) to St. Petersburg (Russia) through Iran and Azerbaijan is known as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). This multi-modal corridor is around 7,200 km long and consists of rail, roads, and waterways. The main objective of the construction of the corridor is to improve connectivity and trade relations between the North and the South. It will play a crucial role in promoting regional cooperation and economic integration. Bilateral relations between the member countries will be developed through the project. India will have easy access to the resource-rich Central Asian nations via this corridor, bypassing Pakistan. It will help India by exporting its products to the North and Central Asian countries, including Russia, and importing hydrocarbons at a lower cost by avoiding the traditional long-time route. In the present geopolitical situation, this venture will also improve India’s strategic relations with the member countries. Although the project at present is suffering from some glitches, it will be a game changer for India’s Eurasia policy in the near future.

Особенности правового механизма обеспечения национальной безопасности Республики Казахстан в условиях участия в Евразийском экономическом союзе

The article examines the problems of functioning of the mechanism for ensuring the national security of the Republic of Kazakhstan as a participant in the Eurasian Economic Union. The activities of the EAEU as an international organization for regional economic integration are aimed at creating favorable conditions for the development and increasing the competitiveness of the economies of its member states. At the same time, a single economic space, a common external customs border, and the competence of supranational bodies of the Union lead to challenges and threats to the national security of its members. Effective counteraction to these challenges and threats is impossible without an effective mechanism for ensuring national security, which, under the conditions of Kazakhstan’s membership in the Union, is ensured not only at the national (domestic) level, but also at the international (at the EAEU level) levels. In the process of research, an idea was formed of the legal mechanism for ensuring the national security of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the conditions of membership in the EAEU, a systematic and comprehensive analysis of its basic elements was given, and shortcomings in the functioning of this mechanism that pose threats to the national security of the Republic of Kazakhstan were identified. The authors proposed recommendations for improving the mechanism for ensuring national security of Kazakhstan in order to respect national interests in the context of participation in integration processes.

Some Trends in the Development of Regional Integration Processes in Southeast Asia in the 2020s.

This study discusses the long-term impact of the newly created institutions of the Indo-Pacific region (IPR) on the main regional integration institution of Southeast Asia (SEA), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and assesses the consequences of the implementation of the IPR concept by ASEAN countries.Aim . Determine the main trends in the development of regional integration processes in Southeast Asia in the 2020s. in the context of the Indo-Pacific process.Tasks. Determine the role of SEA countries in the Indo-Pacific process; identify the nature of the influence of AUKUS on the development trends of the regional security architecture of SEA; establish the impact of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) on the sustainable economic development of SEA countries.Methods. The methodological basis of this study is based on general scientific methods (system analysis, forecasting), political science methods, approaches to the analysis of regional security complexes existing in international relations studies (B. Buzan [3], O. Waver [5], J. De Wilde [4], A. Acharya [2]) and to the analysis of regional economic integration and its stages (J. Pelkmans [10]).Results . The inclusion of ASEAN countries in the Indo-Pacific process initiated by the United States of America (USA) and its allies in the future in 2030 leadsto 1) an increase in military spending, which may indicate a reduction in the level of trust in the region, 2) a reduction in the rate of convergence of the economies of Southeast Asian countries, which may indicate a growing imbalance in the level of development of ASEAN countries.Conclusions . The implementation of the IPR concept by ASEAN countries leads to the erosion of the “ASEAN-centricity” of regional institutions in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as to the projected reduction in the effectiveness of ASEAN in achieving the goals of a regional integration institution, namely: 1) an increase in military spending in the countries of the Asia-Pacific region in the 2020s, including in the ASEAN countries, indicating about the declining level of trust in relations with the PRC, leading to a decrease in the effectiveness of ASEAN diplomatic mechanisms to resolve existing disputes with China over the South China Sea; 2) the pace of catching-up development of poor Southeast Asian countries in the 2020s. are reduced, the implementation of IPEF will only be able to ensure some uneven economic growth in the most developed countries of Southeast Asia, it is becoming increasingly difficult for poor countries to catch up with the more developed countries of Southeast Asia in their level of economic development, and ASEAN’s goal of ensuring equitable economic development is becoming less achievable.

Особенности правового механизма обеспечения национальной безопасности Республики Казахстан в условиях участия в Евразийском экономическом союзе

The article examines the problems of functioning of the mechanism for ensuring the national security of the Republic of Kazakhstan as a participant in the Eurasian Economic Union. The activities of the EAEU as an international organization for regional economic integration are aimed at creating favorable conditions for the development and increasing the competitiveness of the economies of its member states. At the same time, a single economic space, a common external customs border, and the competence of supranational bodies of the Union lead to challenges and threats to the national security of its members. Effective counteraction to these challenges and threats is impossible without an effective mechanism for ensuring national security, which, under the conditions of Kazakhstan’s membership in the Union, is ensured not only at the national (domestic) level, but also at the international (at the EAEU level) levels. In the process of research, an idea was formed of the legal mechanism for ensuring the national security of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the conditions of membership in the EAEU, a systematic and comprehensive analysis of its basic elements was given, and shortcomings in the functioning of this mechanism that pose threats to the national security of the Republic of Kazakhstan were identified. The authors proposed recommendations for improving the mechanism for ensuring national security of Kazakhstan in order to respect national interests in the context of participation in integration processes.

Armed Conflict as an ‘Undoing’ Force in Regional Integration and Its Impact on the Consolidation of AfCFTA Development Mission

The paper examines the intricate relationship between armed conflict and regional integration, focusing on its role as an ‘undoing’ force in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) context. A significant element of development and economic cooperation in Africa is the perennial problem of violent conflict in almost all sub-regions. Moreover, organized crime is rising across the continent, coupled with the emergence of new forms of violence associated with today’s globalization and other post-Cold War phenomena. Globalization has led to greater interdependence among countries and fostered cooperation among states. However, a country’s internal conflict often has repercussions beyond its borders and threatens regional and global peace and stability. In addition, armed conflict can affect countries’ relations and state cooperation. Peace provides a good foundation for development and economic cooperation, while development ensures the permanence of peace. The central question addressed in this paper is whether constructive regional economic integration and cooperation can be effectively achieved while some African countries are experiencing armed conflict. A qualitative research approach is used to analyze how armed conflict will likely negatively impact the achievement of AfCFTA goals.

Economic integration processes in East Asia - results, opportunities and challenges

The East Asian region is a major global economic player, given its economic size and potential. As such, regional economic integration of East Asia could be considered as an important building bloc towards integration of the Asia Pacific region. East Asia has made significant progress in creating institutions for closer cooperation and integration. East Asian regional production networks are the most integrated in the world, and regional financial initiatives have taken off. Gripped by this wave of regionalism, the East Asian economies have expedited further liberalization process and have started unmarked trade liberalization strategies, enhanced economic cooperation, and negotiating on currency un-ion. Since 1997, East Asian regionalism seems to have progressed and an East Asian Community is just around the corner. This paper is a study which presents the realities that East Asian regionalism is still lap-sided: economic regionalism is highly developed, while other key components (regional financial integration, education collaboration, and a regional political framework) are developing at a slower rate, stagnating, and/or regressing. It aims to present the reality of East Asian regionalism, provoke awareness of false perspectives, and present a recommendation towards a balanced and more sustainable East Asian integration.

Mutually Assured Disruption: Globalization, Security, and the Dangers of Decoupling

The evolution of transnational production in the Asia-Pacific over the past few decades has been a force for peace. Critics of globalization and proponents of US-China economic decoupling advocate policies that would not only harm the global economy but would increase the likelihood of military conflict. This article focuses on the national security benefits of US-China economic engagement and the regional economic integration of East Asia. Government interventions to protect national security and build more resilience in supply chains are needed but should be limited in scope so as to avoid fundamental damage to the complex economic interdependence that has fostered growth and helped to deter war.

Xinjiang on the New Silk Road: Kyrgyzstan's Energy and China's Manufacturing Foreign Trade

Located in the northwest of China, Xinjiang plays a key role as an important node of the New Silk Road. The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of Xinjiang's geographical position, economic development, infrastructure construction, cultural exchange and energy resources in this initiative. First of all, Xinjiang's geographical advantages make it a key link between China and Central Asia, Europe and other places, providing a convenient channel for promoting international trade and logistics. Secondly, large-scale infrastructure investment, such as high-speed railway, highway and port construction, has improved Xinjiang's trade and logistics capabilities, and also brought economic growth and employment opportunities. In addition, Xinjiang's multi-culture and ethnic characteristics promote cross-border cultural exchanges and create opportunities for understanding and cooperation between different cultures. Finally, Xinjiang's abundant energy resources are of strategic significance to China's energy economy and help to ensure the country's energy security. This study emphasizes the key position of Xinjiang in the Silk Road, and its positive role in regional economic integration and cooperation, which provides useful insights for further discussion on this issue.

RCEP이 아세안 무역에 미치는 영향

Purpose - This research aims to enhance the understanding of Asia’s economic relationships and international economic governance, with a focus on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Specifically, this paper seeks to provide recommendations for South Korea’s participation and effective utilization in RCEP within the Asian region. Also this study suggests the significance of the Rule of Origin in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and highlights the importance of a cumulative certificate of origin, which refers to a document that verifies the cumulative origin of goods in international trade, applicable to 15 RCEP countries, as compared to existing bilateral FTAs.
 Design/Methodology/Approach - This paper reviews previous studies related to ASEAN and RCEP, discussing the findings and key issues addressed in earlier research efforts. News articles and statistics either of political conflicts or economic implications are utilized in this context.
 Findings - Currently, the global economic governance system, centered around the World Trade Organization (WTO), is facing challenges due to economic and trade friction between major powers, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Regional economic integration bodies like RCEP are taking on a new central role in international trade rules.
 Research Implications - This research implies that the economic relations in the Asia-Pacific region have been steadily strengthening, and this contributes to maintaining stability through economic interdependence even in the presence of political conflict, and there is a room for South Korea to contribute.

International Economic Cooperation and Geopolitical Changes under the Belt and Road Initiative

This paper comprehensively analyzes how China's Belt and Road Initiative reshapes international economic cooperation and geopolitical patterns on a global scale. Initially, the paper introduces the background, objectives, and key components of the Belt and Road Initiative, elucidating its role in promoting transnational infrastructure development, enhancing trade connections, and fostering regional economic integration. Subsequently, the article meticulously examines the direct impacts of the initiative on the economic development of participating countries, including increased infrastructure investment, trade facilitation, and industrial upgrading. Further, the paper delves into how the Belt and Road Initiative influences the global economic landscape, particularly its effects in Asia, Africa, and Europe. This includes promoting regional economic integration through infrastructure construction and economic cooperation, as well as strengthening China's economic ties with participating countries. Simultaneously, the paper explores how such economic cooperation deepens political relationships between China and participating nations and the impact of these relationships on the international political framework. Finally, the paper analyzes the responses of other major powers, especially the United States and the European Union, to the Belt and Road Initiative and their geopolitical considerations. This encompasses the reasons for their support or opposition to the initiative, and how these powers respond to China's expanding influence through their policies and initiatives. The article concludes with a projection of the future trends and potential international impacts of the Belt and Road Initiative, particularly in the current international political and economic context.

Process of effective management of the Eurasian transport system on the terms of integration

Transformation of international relations caused by geopolitical processes significantly affects the development trends in foreign trade activities, global restructuring of goods movement channels, changes in the conditions of currency and customs regulation, lending, and investment. Ensuring stability, security and prosperity in the Eurasian region meets interests of many states, primarily Russia and China, as well as their closest partners. The implementation of the project on construction and modernization of the Eurasian transport system will not only neutralize risks in the context of international challenges, but will also contribute to the new ecosystem creation with great potential in the new realities. Harmonization and joint coordination of actions in accordance with the integration process progressive implementation to create a regional ecosystem in the international format will contribute to the creation of mutually beneficial partnership, development of sustainable long-term ties for implementing trade, scientific, production, and logistics projects. Conceptual provisions of the integration process to create a regional ecosystem will help to create sustainable conditions for economic development and increase corporate, sectoral and regional policies effectiveness. Building an international architecture of strategic partnership in the format of regional and sectoral interactions is a real and potentially successful approach to increase regional economic cooperation efficiency. The relevance of the study is also confirmed by the provisions of the project on transport and logistics and economic cooperation development until 2030 in priority strategic directions, primarily in financial, industrial-technological and transport, and logistics areas. The scientific novelty of the study lies in a comprehensive and integrated study of the role and regional cooperation potential and economic processes integration in China and Russia in the new ecosystem of the Greater Eurasian Partnership, as well as development of mutually beneficial cooperation between the states of the region in economic, political and humanitarian spheres. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the justification of the construction and implementation of a joint transport and logistics project on the terms of integration between China and Russia, which will predetermine the creation of the Greater Eurasian Partnership new ecosystem named with long-term mutually beneficial multilateral cooperation at the international level in the economic, political, and humanitarian fields.

Regionalism and the fight against terrorism in southern Africa: reflections on Cabo Delgado in Mozambique

Post-independence Africa has often depicted Southern Africa as a formidable region spared by the calamities of Islamic insurgencies and terrorism. However, unfolding events in the last five years have demonstrated the limitation of SADC to terrorism exceptionalism. A combination of relatively weak states perpetuating poor regionalism, ethnic and religious diversity, poverty and the existence of the ‘ungoverned space’ are possible explanations in making the region a suitable habitat for insurgency groups. The recent invasion by terrorists of Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique has been a critical cause for concern for the stability of the region. The military intervention of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) and Rwanda presents an opportunity for academics to explore regional prospects for peace and security. This paper uses insights gained from a qualitative study on terrorism, counterterrorism and regionalism to investigate the concept of regional security cooperation in the SADC region and the authenticity of institutional responses in Northern Mozambique. The study concludes that the launch of the SAMIM, despite several obstacles, represents a step in the right direction. More so, creating durable security institutions is the starting point towards realising meaningful regional security cooperation, which guarantees feasible regional economic integration.