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This international conference forms part of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s on-going Trade Policy Programme, which supports Commonwealth developing countries in their effective integration and participation in the global trading system.
#Trade blocs free#
The conference will focus on implications of Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIIP), Regional Comprehensive Partnership (RCEP) among other mega free trade agreements (FTAs). In addition, there was a loss of national sovereignty and a need for member states to undergo economic restructuring.The Commonwealt Secretariat, in collaboration with UNCTAD and Centre for WTO Studies at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), are co-hosting an international conference on 'Mega Trading Blocs: Implications for Developing Countries' to discuss the implications of the rise of mega regional trading blocs. Companies in some of the member states that subscribed to the NAFTA agreement also got subjected to highly competitive market environments that required them to improve their level of efficiency. The NAFTA agreement, for example, led to the exportation of a huge number of jobs from the United States to Canada. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) permits. Trading blocs lead to trade liberalisation (the freeing of trade from protectionist measures) and trade creation between members, since they are treated favourably in comparison to non-members.
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In some cases, member states may be compelled to replace low-cost suppliers with high-cost suppliers who are associated with the regional trading bloc. Trading blocs are usually groups of countries in specific regions that manage and promote trade activities. One of the drawbacks is that costly domestic producers may end up being replaced by cheaper alternatives from neighbouring countries and this may lead to job loss and hence an increase in unemployment rates. There are, however, some drawbacks associated with the creation of regional trading blocs. Healthy relationships among the member states, in turn, lead to peace and stability within the region. Fourth, regional economic integration also generates a strong foundation for political cooperation among the participating countries. Third, regional economic integration creates an opportunity for member states to advance by learning from other countries. Secondly, all countries that are involved in free trade get their economies stimulated, and this eventually enables member states to reap greater benefits from trading activities. This eliminates competition and makes it possible for member countries to offer high-quality products and services. First, regional trading blocs make it possible for countries to focus on supplying the market with goods and services they can produce best. Under the common market, no trade barriers exist among the member states while under economic union, the free flow of products and factors of production is highly encouraged among the participating countries.įrom the examples given above, there are several reasons for supporting the creation of regional trading blocs. Others include common markets and economic union. The use of custom unions such as Andean Pact is another approach that focuses on eradicating possible barriers between member states. Examples include the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Free trade area, for example, encourages the removal of barriers that are encountered with regards to the trading of goods and services among member states. We will write a custom essay specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn more Arguments for and against the Creation of Regional Trading Blocsĭifferent approaches to regional economic integration offer different benefits to participating countries.
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