CEFTA as Trade Agreement and Its Role in Its Countries＇ Economic Development and E.U. Integration （Case of Albania）

CEE （Central Eastern European） region comprises a group of countries at a relatively similar stage of economic development and with the common objective of becoming member of EU. The size of the market has pushed CEE countries to find ways towards a larger market. Joint forces, into free trade agreements, have contributed to their economic growth and European Integration. How did it happened, and what are the consequences of free trade agreements, under the example of Albania, it has been studied and analyzed, through data collections from different sources like the WB, IMF, National Banks, business round table discussions, etc.. Among all the free trade agreements CEFTA has shown to be the most effective. Central European Free Trade Agreement, CEFTA, since 2006, has been a tool to businesses making the rules and regulations governing trade in the European Region. It has contributed to make trade simpler and increasingly harmonized all procedures with those of the EU and the WTO （World Trade Organization）. As a conclusion, CEFTA experience has shown to have improved considerably business ability of developing European economies, to trade with the EU countries and the world. CEFTA has created an attractive market for investments while before the market in the Region was fragmented and unattractive to important investments, has promoted growth, and contributed to job creation. Albania is a recent success of it.

The Dos and Don’ts of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement Pose the Ghana’s Maritime Industry Vis-A-Vis Its National Industrialization Drive

The direct and indirect immensely contributions of free trade blocs/single market integration to the steadilygrowth of developed emergence and least developed economies are unmeasurable. The increasing insatiable demand and approval of the free trade model by almost all of the six continents to enhance their economic development has proved that its benefits have indeed outweighed the challenges. Therefore, this research just like the other internationally recognised literatures on this market system, intends to analysis the impacts of the important/dos, don’ts, opportunities, prospects and other important factors of the recent AU member States unanimously endorsement of AfFCTA’s implementation, will have on Ghana’s maritime industry. The possible quantitative findings in this study do uphold its immensely potential benefits impact on the African and Ghana’s maritime industry development and at the same time, indicate an irresistible gap pertaining to the downward progress of its implementation within the sector. These findings have apparently revealed that loss of revenue from scrapping off customs tariffs carries the highest percentage of all the challenges facing AfCFTA’s implementation and recommend that there must be an effective investment-oriented measures-FDI in harnessing the opportunities and prospects embedded in AfCFTA so as to accelerate Ghana’s maritime industry development in its implementation process.

Impact of Sino-US Trade Agreement on Chinese Legal System about Intellectual Property Rights

On January 15,2020,the representatives of Sino-US trade signed Phase I Economic and Trade Agreement Between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the United States of America in Washington,which symbolizes the temporary settlement of two-year Sino-US trade war in relatively peaceful method and lays a good foundation in mutual trust for subsequent Phase II negotiation.This Agreement includes eight chapters involving Sino-US economic and trade and is called the model of the international bilateral agreement by virtue of its wide field and rigorous details.The impact of clauses about intellectual property rights on China’s current legal system and the future revision direction of China’s relevant laws for conformance with the Agreement will be discussed emphatically so that the author can rapidly understand the impact and significance of Sino-US trade agreement to Chinese law.

China's Free Trade Agreements with ASEAN,Japan and Korea:A Comparative Analysis

The role of China in East Asia ＇s recovery from the recent global finaneial and economic crisis highlights China ＇s position as an engine of growth for this region. From the viewpoint of China, there are many potential gains from entering into free trade agreements （FTAs） with its neighbors, who collectively form a large and fast-growing market. In this paper, we qualitatively and quantitatively assess the four main permutations of China＇s FTAs with East Asian major economies： China-ASEAN, China-Japan, China-Korea and ASEAN＋ 3. We compare the effects of these FTAs on China ＂s output and welfare. Our comparative analysis shows that China will gain from all three bilateral FTAs, while gaining the most from the ASEAN＋ 3. Because forming a region-wide FTA, such as the ASEAN＋ 3, is expected to be gradual and difficult, China shouM continue to engage in bilateral FTAs as a mediumterm and alternative strategy. However, in the long term, China should pursue a regionwide FTA.

China＇s Anti-dumping Problems and Mitigation through Regional Trade Agreements

The present paper explores the opportunities for China＇s regional trade agreement （RTA） initiatives to mitigate its anti-dumping problems. The paper highlights the severity and discriminatory nature of China＇s anti-dumping problems. The high concentration of the share of anti-dumping actions taken by the top 4 and top 8 anti-dumping initiators is noted. Our finding of a weak effect of existing RTAs on mitigating China ＇s anti-dumping problems supports the argument that China could become more active in mitigating anti-dumping problems through RTA negotiations. An RTA can include a higher level of openness in exchange for an improvement in regional anti-dumping provisions. Case studies on RTAs involving the EU, the USA and India offer some precedents for offering inducements and modifying regional anti-dumping provisions. The approaches for China may lie in obtaining market economy status from intensive anti-dumping initiators at RTA levels and also altering regional anti-dumping provisions that could be put in place in exchange for some potential concessions.

An assessment of China-Japan-Korea Free Trade Agreement＇s economic and environmental impacts on China

Recently, China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea （Korea） are conducting a government-commis- sioned feasibility study on the Free Trade Agreement among the three countries （CJKFTA） to form a regional free trade zone in East Asia. Considering that freer trade can cause unexpected impact on domestic environment, there is a need to evaluate the environmental impact of such a trade policy. This move should be made to help negotiators understand and pay more attention to environ- mental issues during CJKFTA negotiations, and to help lobby with the government to carry out appropriate policy instruments for adaptation or mitigation. Following the Chain Reaction Assessment Method that integrates and links the elements of trade, production, and environment, the present research aims to quantitatively assess CJKFTA＇s possible impact on China＇s environment. This is done by estimating the variations of China＇s major conventional pollutants and greenhouse gases （GHGs） emission in two policy scenarios to represent CJKFTA＇s scale and composition effects on China＇s environment. Estimating the variations is based on a static Computable General Equilibrium model, working with Global Trade Analysis Project （GTAP） 7 database and China＇s energy- environment statistics. Based on these assessments, CJKFTA is predicted to lead to notable environmental impact, including increased emissions of agricultural total nitrogen, agricultural total phosphorus, chemical oxygen demand, and GHGs. On the other hand, decreased emissions of industrial SO2 and dust are also expected to happen. Suitable policies need to be made to combat negative effects and amplify positive ones, while aiming at a more sustainable regional freer trade system.

Short-Term and Long-Term Margins of International Trade： Evidence from the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement

We investigate the impact of the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement （CCFTA） on Canadian exports to Chile, particularly the dynamic effects of the agree- ment on extensive and intensive margins of trade. Consistent with the literature, we find that the extensive margin effects occurred later than the intensive margin effects and became more prominent in the long-term. Surprisingly, the intensive margin ef- fects died off in the long-term. A theoretical model is constructed to show that our results can arise in a standard setting of intra-industry trade.

Formal or Informal? The Dispute Settlement Mechanisms of China's Free Trade Agreements

The dispute settlement mechanism(DSM) has long been the focus of attention because of its significant role in the institutional construction of China's free trade agreements(FTAs). Thus, this paper is to make an analysis of the DSMs of China's established FTAs from a legal perspective of international regime study, which leads to the finding of a co-existence mode of formal and informal DSMs in China's FTAs. This paper also discusses the motivation and significance of such a choice.

Would a North-South Free Trade Agreement Hurt Unskilled Labor in the North？

I present a simple model to examine the impact of international outsourcing on the welfare of skilled and unskilled labor. In this model, specialized business services are to facilitate manufacturing production, creating additional welfare gains in the presence of positive production externalities. Policies that favor the business service sector contribute to the development of a larger bundle of specialized business services, generating more welfare gains to not only skilled but also unskilled labor. Thus, a country＇s unskilled labor is not necessarily worse off with open trade if the country is prosperous in business service provisions.

Possible Chinese Strategic Responses to the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement

Negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership （TPP） Agreement have concluded, but the TPP still must be ratified by each of the 12 member countries. China is the world＇s second largest economy and yet it has not joined the TPP. This has provoked much debate in China as to the best strategic approach to the TPP This paper analyzes China＇s possible strategy for the TPP agreement. We make three key points. First, the security of market access should be China＇s main concern in any free-trade agreement negotiations, regrettably, it is not included in TPP. The second point is that the present TPP agreement is somewhat diminished from its ambitious original claims. We suggest four strategies for China. The first is to promote the development of China＇s remaining regional and bilateral free trade agreements （FTAs）. The second is to negotiate a bilateral FTA with the United States. The third is to promote deep domestic reforms via enlarged TPP coverage. The last is negotiating entrance to the entering do not worsen. TPP as soon as possible so that terms of

Impact of openness, economic policy reform and regional shocks on trade and growth of Thailand： An econometric study

Thailand has currently enhanced and promoted intensive trade and investment liberalization and implemented long-term growth policy according with current regional economic integration, WTO obligations and globalization. Nevertheless, several recent internal and external factors e.g. the massive SARS and avian flu outbreaks, the Indian Ocean tsunami devastation, the Asia financial crisis and domestic policy reforms （ICSEAD, 2006） have also impeded this policy. While the issues are important for Thailand and developing countries in Asia, only limited research has been undertaken to investigate them. The paper conducts a substantive quantitative study to contribute to these trade and development policy issues. A new econometric modelling policy method, namely the generalized gravity theory （Tran Van Hoa, 2004） is used to develop a simple flexible simultaneous-equation econometric model of Thailand＇s openness model with its seven major trade partners （ASEAN-4, Australia, the USA, the EU, China, Japan and India）. Using data from the ICSEAD, the World Development Indicators and the Bank of Thailand databases, the paper reveals efficient and reliable empirical findings on trade-growth causality, trade determination including the impact of shocks and policy reform on trade and growth between Thailand and its major trade partners over the past two decades. The paper also provides evidence on the linkages between trade in goods, FDI and services and regional economic integration for more credible policy implications.

国际经贸协定中密码技术产品保护规则新发展及中国因应

数字经济时代,密码技术作为保障信息安全的核心技术,其重要性日益凸显。而密码技术的广泛运用也可能影响国家安全和公共利益。因此,密码技术的运用和规制一直寻求私权保护与执法需求、市场驱动与政府干预、贸易自由与国家规制之间的平衡。近年来,CPTPP和DEPA等高标准国际经贸协定相继纳入使用密码技术的ICT产品规则,一方面要求减少对使用密码技术的ICT产品不合理的贸易限制,强化数字知识产权保护;另一方面也尊重国家对密码技术的规制权,包括金融机构和市场例外、执法机关例外等限制性规则。中国在积极推进加入CPTPP和DEPA的过程中,应积极对接密码技术产品规则,大力发展商用密码技术,加强与CPTPP和DEPA成员国在密码技术和网络安全领域的合作与信息共享,并进一步完善密码技术管理的政策法规。

Advancing the Multilateral Regional Cooperation in Economy and Trade with the Scheme Reform of Zero Tariffs

China＇s tariff arrangement in the transition period after ＂entry to WTO＂ influences the process of the multilateral trade system in the world. Establishing the free trade area and customs union according to WTO/GATS 1994 article 24, or according to authorizing the clause （Enabling Clause ） to sign the regional trade agreement between developing countries or signed the protocol of economic integration taking promoting and serving the liberalization of trade as purpose according to WTO/GATS article 5, include the regional trade agreement in the multilateral trade system frame to standardize, supervise and coordinate to China, reduce trade protectionism and improve the multilateral trade system＇s influence in the world greatly. Drawing lessons from CEPA and China the system of the manoeuvre ahead of time of overall ＂entry to WTO＂ of ASEAN Free Trade Area and arrange, accelerate multilateral regional cooperation in economy and trade, zero tariff scheme reform favors route choice.

Macroeconomic and Social Impacts of Economic Partnership Agreements on Ivorian Economy： A New Assessment

This study reassesses the macroeconomic and social impacts of Economic Partnership Agreements （EPAs） on Ivorian economy using Computable General Equilibrium （CGE） model with positive externalities of public investment in education, health, and economic infrastructure. Previous studies highlight negative effect of these agreements stressing particularly on losses in government revenues due to the removal of all tariffs on imports. This analysis aims to provide some insight into this question by refreshing the debate to show how this situation could be transformed into opportunities for Ivory Coast in order to promote growth and reduce poverty. To do so, this study postulates that government spending （investment） in economic infrastructure （roads, bridges, communication network, etc.）, in education and health sectors produces positive externalities in each industry. This assumption has not been set anymore in previous studies. Simulation results reveal that, despite this decline in government revenues, if it invests in economic infrastructure, health and education sector, EPAs will generate more revenue for government due to the rise in income tax on firms and households, and tax on overall production. Furthermore, household income will increase which will in turn stimulate （final） consumption. There won＇t also be a decline in economic growth.

区域贸易协定中竞争政策规则对出口国内增加值的影响研究

以64个国家1995—2017年141个区域贸易协定为样本,在测度竞争政策规则深度的基础上,实证考察其对出口国内增加值的影响。研究结果表明:竞争政策规则的强化有助于提升缔约方出口国内增加值。该结果经过稳健性检验后依然成立。机制分析结果表明,缔约方制度质量加强了竞争政策规则对出口国内增加值的促进作用,但区域贸易协定灵活度会阻碍该促进作用。区分条款发现,横向原则与国有企业条款可以促进出口国内增加值;区分国别发现,竞争政策规则对不同经济发展水平国家出口国内增加值存在异质性影响。进一步分析发现,竞争政策规则的强化对第三方国家存在溢出效应。因此,中国应有意识地强化竞争政策的基础性地位,合理设计竞争政策条款并逐步提升执行度,打造更为开放透明、公平竞争的市场环境。

“一带一路”贸易便利化的十年进展、问题分析与推进路径

共建“一带一路”走过了蓬勃十年,它不仅是中国新时代扩大对外开放的总抓手,而且为国际社会提供了重要合作平台。贸易畅通是共建“一带一路”的核心任务之一,贸易便利化对推动“一带一路”贸易畅通至关重要。在共建“一带一路”十周年之际,本文从商签自贸协定、加强海关合作、交通互联互通、发展贸易新业态四个方面,系统总结十年来“一带一路”贸易便利化的历程与进展,剖析当前存在的问题,探讨进一步提升贸易便利化水平的路径。

RTA知识产权保护强度对出口贸易稳定性的影响研究

在国际贸易不确定性加剧的背景下,RTA知识产权保护强度对其成员国间出口贸易有着重要的影响。基于DESTA数据库2003—2020年间有效运行的RTA,选取有RTA关系的165个国家组成的2927组国家对作为研究对象,测度了RTA的知识产权保护强度,并构建回归模型探究RTA知识产权保护强度对出口贸易稳定性的影响。研究发现:RTA知识产权保护强度越大,越有利于提高RTA成员国间出口贸易的稳定性。此外,国家间信息流动性越强,以及进口国经济自由度越高,RTA知识产权保护对出口贸易稳定性的促进作用就越强。该效应对于不同类型国家和不同出口行业而言不一样:RTA知识产权保护对南北国家间的双边出口贸易稳定有促进作用,而对南南国家和北北国家间的促进作用不显著;对动植物及食品制造类,皮革、纺织及杂制类,电子、化工及机械制造类行业出口贸易稳定有促进作用。这些研究结论对国家间开展贸易合作,签订合理知识产权保护强度的RTA,维护长久稳定的出口贸易关系具有重要意义。

以高水平开放助推新质生产力发展

新时代以来,中国实行更加积极主动的开放战略,高水平对外开放不断跃上新台阶,成为推动中国经济高质量发展的重要动力。高水平开放同样是助推新质生产力发展的重要动力:制度型开放,有助于吸引全球优质资源要素为新质生产力发展赋能;对“一带一路”直接投资的逆向技术溢出,有助于全要素生产率提升;环境保护等国际高标准经贸规则新议题谈判,将倒逼绿色生产力发展。未来,以高水平开放助推新质生产力发展的重点路径包括:稳步扩大制度型开放,为吸引全球优质资源要素营造良好投资环境;推进共建“一带一路”高质量发展走向新阶段,赋能全要素生产率提升;推进自由贸易协定向更高标准迈进,促进经济发展全面绿色转型。

药品数据专有权国际立法溯源与中国制度安排

药品上市审批对于药品安全有效性数据的专门审查要求,造就了涉及药品数据的独特知识产权保护机制。基于药品数据获取的高昂投入及其对于药品仿制与后续创新的重要价值,美欧发达国家在世界范围内率先建立了药品数据保护机制,其逐渐成为一项国际性的法律规则。无论是美欧发达国家的立法,还是相关国际法律规则,对于药品数据的知识产权保护都呈现从商业秘密模式向专有权机制转变的立法格局。产业利益驱动无疑是其中的一个重要诱因,但归根结底是源自药品数据专有权有效兼顾原研发药企经济利益与社会公众健康权益的制度优势。鉴于此,在药品数据专有权保护的国际趋势下,我国应从本土药品产业激励创新与规范仿制的基本诉求出发,以必要的内部限制与外部监管明确药品数据专有权的法律边界,并通过药品数据动态化公示平台的设置与药品数据付费使用模式的创设,建构起与药品专利制度有机衔接的数据专有权保护机制。

No country is an island in regulating food safety:How the WTO monitors Chinese food safety laws through the Trade Policy Review Mechanism(TPRM)

Established within the framework of the World Trade Organization （WTO）, the Trade Policy Review Mechanism （TPRM） reviews periodically the trade policies of all WTO Members. The review includes many aspects of food safety regulation. China＇s trade policy is reviewed every two years. This paper analyses in detail the reviews of China＇s trade policy in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014. It focuses in particular on food safety laws and types of standards, alignment of domestic standards with international standards, the role of different domestic institutions, transparency and notification of food safety measures under the WTO agreements on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures （SPS） and on Technical Barriers to Trade （TBTAgreement）, import and export, and geographical indications （GIs）. It concludes that the WTO TPRM can contribute, within its mandate, to reform of Chinese food safety laws and improvement of food safety in China. it notes that China has already undertaken substantial reforms of its system for regulating food safety. It recommends that China should continue to participate actively in the TPRM, follow its own path with regard to alignment and learn selectively from other WTO Members.