Asian Economic Integration Report 2023

The Asian Economic Integration Report 2023 highlights the importance of regional cooperation in the face of a challenging global environment, characterized by the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, high inflation and interest rates, and the threat of climate change. Despite the disruption caused by the pandemic, regional trade and cross-border investment remain resilient. However, the report argues that more needs to be done to strengthen international trade and investment, including implementing trade and investment agreements. The report also focuses on the role of trade and investment in addressing climate change, as the region is both a significant contributor to global carbon emissions and vulnerable to its effects. The report highlights the importance of regional and international cooperation in addressing climate change, including initiatives such as reducing tariffs on environmental goods, supporting green businesses, and reinforcing environmental chapters in trade agreements. The report also calls for innovative and flexible instruments to support international carbon markets as a means of reducing global carbon dioxide emissions.