The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is considered as one of the successful regional cooperations and has played a remarkable role in regional, and potentially global, order through its principles of consensus, non-interference, and peaceful resolution of conflicts, providing platform for...

The integration of the concept of environment, social, and governance (ESG) into trade and investment to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is becoming a new consensus. ESG considerations are becoming crucial in national and regional policies for sustainable development...

In November 2015, the ASEAN Community composed of three (3) pillars: the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), and the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) was established as a response by the ASEAN Member states to the need to develop a Post-2015 Vision...

The Philippines has adopted free trade agreements (FTAs) as a major component of its trade policy in the last two decades. As it continues to pursue trade liberalization through joining these agreements, taking a closer look to the extent of FTA utilization in the country is important. This...

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are known to enhance trade through reduction or elimination of barriers, such as tariffs on imported goods. The difference between the preferential tariff rate under an FTA and the most-favored-nation (MFN) rate can be significant enough to encourage trade under an...