The Economics of the Enterprise for ASEAN Initiative

The Enterprise for ASEAN Initiative (EAI) as envisaged in 2002 by the Bush administration is set to be a landmark in U.S.-ASEAN trade relations. This study provides a detailed background and a map to the unfolding negotiations. It includes: a detailed review of the U.S.-ASEAN economic relationship beginning with coverage of the U.S.-ASEAN trade in goods globally and ending with an in-depth analysis of the changing structure of bilateral trade in services; reviews of theories of FTAs and empirical testing of the economics of the EAI itself.Using the USSFTA as a reference point this study identifies and highlights the special bilateral issues that will likely be involved in the ongoing EAI FTA negotiations. The EAI is considered in the context of a changing global Asia-Pacific and sub-regional environment. Finally the book makes a case for the EAI focusing on policy motivations - that is as a defensive strategy for ASEAN and a proactive commercial policy approach for the United States - as well as a strategic imperative for both.The Economics of the Enterprise for ASEAN Initiative is intended to inform governmental and nongovernmental policy-makers trade analysts economists and researchers who need to have a comprehensive guide to this major trade initiative.