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RIS
Discussion Papers |
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| #140 | Internationalization
of Indian Enterprises: Patterns, Strategies, Ownership Advantages
and Implications
by
Nagesh Kumar Abstract: The recent spate of large cross-border acquisitions e.g. Tata Steel-Corus, Hindalco-Novelis, and Tata Motors-Jaguar/Land Rover, among others and Greenfield investments by Indian companies have helped in focusing attention on the emergence of new corporate players on the global scene. India’s emergence as a source of FDI outflows is impressive for its level of development. It is argued that the destinations, sectoral composition, motivations, and entry strategies of Indian investments have been changing with magnitudes. This paper examines the sources of Indian companies’ ownership advantages and trends, patterns and implications. It has been argued that the source of their ownership or competitive advantage lies in their accumulation of skills for managing large multi-location operations across diverse cultures in India and in their ability to deliver value for money with their ‘frugal engineering skills’ honed up while catering to the larger part of income pyramid in India. Keywords: outward investment, emerging multinationals, Indian multinationals, India, internationalization of Indian companies, acquisitions by Indian companies, ownership advantages of Indian multinationals JEL Codes: F21, F23. |
| #139 | Emerging
Patterns in Architecture for Management of Economic Assistance and
Development Cooperation: Implications and Challenges for India
by Sachin Chaturvedi Abstract: With sharp economic growth, the international focus on ‘aid’ programmes of emerging economies, including India, has gone up considerably. The timing of Indian announcement, of setting up of a new and specialised agency for international cooperation, has further fuelled global speculations about an ambitious Indian ‘commercial agenda.’ As most of the traditional donors are trying to achieve harmonisation and transparency under Paris Declaration, OECD has called for global discipline in the aid programmes. China has proposed supporting a UN-led initiative instead of joining OECD. While India has major challenge of putting its house in order, it can no longer overlook international placing of its ‘aid’ programmes, which so far have been projected as a part of South-South cooperation. Key Words: India Development Cooperation; South-South Cooperation; IIDCA; Foreign Policy; Economic Partnership; OECD. |
| #136 | Potential
of Asian Economic Integration: A Perspective from the Strategy of
Japanese Enterprises by
Tetsuji Kawamura Abstract: The progress of the cooperation and economic integration of the region has a big potentiality for further industrial and economic development of the whole Asian region in general. IT industries have big potentiality for the future economic development of each country in the region. IT sectors will stimulate high-tech and lead the technological innovations in the economy and possibly lead the economic development of the region. Japanese firms have significant roles, as demonstrated by the experiences over the past three decades. The effective transfer of its capability-building system, or its significant human resources management and development system still has the key importance. |
| #135 | East
Asian Infrastructure Development in a Comparative Global Perspective:
An Analysis of RIS Infrastructure Index
by Nagesh Kumar & Prabir De Abstract: Development of infrastructure is one of the key priorities of East Asia Summit (EAS) countries. By constructing an Infrastructure Index for 104 countries comprising all the EAS members, this paper examines the levels of infrastructure attainment of EAS countries in a comparative global perspective over time and space. It makes observations on the gaps between EAS countries in terms of infrastructure development, their overtime performance, and provides some policy recommendations for narrowing the gaps. The Infrastructure Index developed in this paper reveals very wide gaps in terms of infrastructure attainment across the EAS region, which seem to have widened rather than narrowed over time. The findings of this paper suggest that infrastructure development in the lagging EAS region needs to be paid due attention if the regional inequalities are not to widen further. The paper recommends creating a regional mechanism in order to utilize the region’s foreign exchange reserves for development of regional cross-border connectivity and other infrastructure services, which, if followed, will not only assist in generation of new demand within the region but also strengthen the regional integration process in EAS. |
| #134 | India-Africa
Economic Partnership: Trends and Prospects by S. K. Mohanty
& Sachin Chaturvedi Abstract: With the growing internationalisation, the traditional old linkages between India and Africa are gradually emerging as a dynamic and vibrant trade and investment partnership, benefiting all the partner economies. The rapid economic transformation of Indian economy and her emergence as major market has provided huge opportunities to the partner countries. The trade between India and Africa has almost doubled in last couple of years with rapid rise in Indian investments in the region. This may contribute substantively towards South-South cooperation model as was perceived at Bandung. It is in this context that India and Africa are also playing a key role at various global fora such as WTO. Keywords: India; Africa; Trade; Investment. |
| #133 | Towards
An Asian “Bretton Woods” for Restructuring of the Regional
Financial Architecture by Ramgopal Agarwala Abstract: Despite a plethora of programs for increased financial co-operation in Asia, there has been very little real progress in developing a regional architecture for financial co-operation in Asia. While the risks of repetition of 1997-98 style financial crisis in Asia are not high today, there are new risks of financial turbulence originating from sub-prime crisis in the US and new opportunities for using the financial strength of the region for accelerated growth with equity. To guard against these risks and to exploit these opportunities, a bold new initiative in the region is needed. The idea of Asian Monetary Fund proposed by Japan in 1998 needs to be revived, perhaps with a different nomenclature and a different terms of reference. This paper proposes a Reserve Bank of Asia which will be a combination of IMF and the World Bank at regional level. In order to respond to the current crisis, the major players in the region should develop a consensus on the outline of a regional financial architecture and call a conference of EAS countries to prepare Articles of Agreement for the institution much as was done at Bretton Woods some sixty years ago. |
| #132 | The
WTO’s Doha Negotiations: An Assessmenta by Bhagirath Lal
Das Abstract: The lure of big benefits from successful conclusion of the multilateral negotiations and the risks of bilateral and regional routes if these negotiations fail should not be taken by the developing countries as determining factors in their moves in the current WTO Doha negotiations. Working together, the developing countries have much greater negotiating strength than if they were to form small interest groups and negotiate with the major developed countries separately. Such cohesion of strength and strategy can be built up on the basis of mutual trust and recognition of various interests among them. If there are conflicting interests sometimes, there would be a need for rational adjustment. Total transparency among the developing countries and being continuously on guard against mutual suspicion are important preconditions for deepening their cooperation and consolidation in multilateral negotiations. |
| #131 | Regional
Cooperation and Integration Prospects in Asia by Rajat Nag Abstract: There is indeed a strong opportunity for South Asian countries to benefit from intensifying regional ties. As a regional policy dialogue becomes stronger and barriers are gradually eliminated, or at least substantially reduced, economic integration will intensify in the next decade or two. This is partly due to the very low level of integration it starts from. For instance, intraregional trade in South Asia accounts for only 5.5 per cent of total trade, as opposed to East Asia’s almost 60 per cent. As the region continues to build its economic infrastructure and new cross-border projects are implemented, these will not only intensify trade in goods and services, but also facilitate the movement of people. Easing existing cross-border impediments to trade and labour movements, will likely be the strongest economic driver over the coming decade. But the key to any experiment in cooperation and economic integration is political will. |
| #130 | Deepening
India–Bangladesh Economic Cooperation:Challenges and Opportunities
by Prabir De and Biswa N. Bhattacharya Abstract: In recent years, South Asia has received growing attention as a region that is integrating successfully into the global economy. To maximize the benefits in terms of faster growth and poverty reduction, the region will need to strengthen regional and bilateral cooperation in several areas. In this context, closer bilateral cooperation and integration between major South Asian countries, such as between India and Bangladesh, will strengthen the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and help ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of their activities. Cultural, trade, and economic exchanges between the two countries are long standing. Rapid domestic economic development and mutual cooperation have demonstrated broad prospects for further cooperation between the two countries. A remarkable growth in two-way trade between India and Bangladesh has resulted in robust growth of the economies in the region. Compared with their strength, much potential exists for developing trade and economic relations between the two countries. This paper discusses various opportunities and associated prospects and problems in strengthening the India–Bangladesh economic cooperation and integration agenda in the context of SAARC. JEL Classifications: F10, F15, R40s. |
| #129 | Intellectual
Property Regime, Indigenous Knowledge System and Access and Benefit
Sharing: Drawing Lessons from Kani Case by
Sachin Chaturvedi Abstract: Since the Doha Ministerial, the developing countries have been raising issues related to the indigenous knowledge system (IKS) and access and benefit sharing (ABS) in context of conflict between the CBD and the TRIPs. Though the Doha Development Agenda (Paragraph 19) did acknowledge the need of CBD and TRIPs relationship to be looked into, however most of the developed countries rejected ABS on the pretext that the ABS is not a viable preposition and that ABS should be addressed at the national level rather than placing it as part of multilateral regime. The emerging evidence from Kani case in India suggests that a nuanced approach to the benefit sharing regime may help in ensuring equitable distribution of gains through a formal mechanism which may prove out to be sustainable in long run. The study also shows that national regimes are not sufficient to check global misappropriation of IKS. Keywords: IKS, ABS, TRIPs, CBD, Kani and India.IC. |
| #128 | WTO
and Trade in Electronically Delivered Software (EDS): Emerging Challenges
and Policy Options - An Indian Perspective by
Sachin Chaturvedi and S. K. Mohanty Abstract: In this paper the authors make an effort to address the concerned issues in light of Indian experience with the usage of ICT in trade transactions. The Section II summarises key issues being debated at various committees of WTO while Section III provides India’s growing interests in software exports. Section IV enumerates the perspectives on emerging debate at the multilateral fora and also provides policy recommendations. |
| #127 | Brazilian
Economy: Recent Evolution and New Perspectives for South-South Cooperation
by Maria Lúcia L.M. Pádua Lima Abstract: The paper begins by analysing the Brazilian economic development stressing the external sector of its economy. Brazil is already an important product player in food trade and could be, in the future, a very significant player in the international commerce of biofuel and bioproducts. For this reason, this paper also focuses on the Brazilian experiences in the production of food, bioproducts and energy generated by renewable sources taking sugarcan as a specific instance. The Brazilian competitiveness in the agricultural sector required a great deal of research effort and technological improvements, especially in the production of biofuel and bioproducts. On the other hand, some Brazilian studies indicate a noteworthy capacity of this kind of agricultural chain to incorporate the work force in the rural areas. Finally, the paper discusses the feasibility of reproducing abroad the successful agricultural Brazilian experience. This could be a very promising subject for the South-South cooperation. |
| #126 | Welfare
Gains from Regional Economic Integration in Asia: ASEAN+3 or EAS
by S.K. Mohanty and Sanjib Pohiti Abstract: The experiences of Asian countries suggest that the region has substantial economic potentials and synergies between these countries can be better tapped with comprehensive economic cooperation. With this approach formation of an Asian Economic Community is not too far away from now. Next phase of liberalisation in Asia should focus on deep economic integration. Sitting on the driving seat, ASEAN’s economic liberalisation in Asia. The core issue is , which group of countries between ASEAN+3 and East Asian Summit (EAS) countries, would elicit maximum benefit to the region in general and ASEAN in particular? Using an Applied General Equilibrium model in a monopolistic framework, the paper suggest that next Round of economic liberalisation may start with EAS. |
| #125 | Investment
Provisions in Regional Trading Arrangements in Asia: Relevance,
Emerging Trends, and Policy Implications
by Nagesh Kumar |
| #124 | Indian
Innovation Systems and Emergence of Biopharmaceutical Sector: Issues
and Prospects
by
Sachin Chaturvedi Abstract: The prospective entry of generic dominated Indian pharmaceutical sector in the ambit of new technologies is likely to give filip to emergence of strong biopharmaceutical sector.It is pertinent in this context to draw a policy roadmap which takes into account sectoral dynamics and draws upon regional and international linkages. An appropriate balance between national system of innovation (NSI) and sectoral system of innovation (SSI) would determine trajactory of growth of this sector. Keywords: NSI, SSI, Biopharmaceutical and India. |
| #123 | Regional
Economic Integration, Foreign Direct Investment and Efficiency-Seeking
Industrial Restructuring in Asia: The Case of India
by
Nagesh Kumar Abstract: This paper examines the India’s RTAs policy in Asia and the emerging patterns of efficiency-seeking industrial restructuring unleashed by it. Section 2 provides a discussion of the analytical relationship between RTAs, patterns of trade, FDI resulting from the industrial restructuring. It also summarizes some examples of industrial restructuring of the type the EU’s Single Market Plan has led to. Section 3 summarizes the India’s RTA policy in Asia and indicators of its growing economic integration with East Asian countries. Section 4 highlights the emerging patterns of industrial restructuring resulting from India’s RTA’s policy. Section 5 concludes the paper with a few remarks on the importance of a broader framework for regional economic integration. |
| #122 | Community-based
Rights and IPR Regime: Revisiting the Debate by
Srividhya Ragavan & Jamie Mayer Abstract: This paper examines whether the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Act 2001 along with the proposed Seed Bill fulfills India’s obligations under Article 27.3 of TRIPS. Further, the paper analyzes the benefits India is likely to derive from fulfilling these obligations. Thus, Part I examines Article 27.3 of TRIPS to analyze the constituents of the “effectiveness” requirement of the article. In analyzing whether the sui generis system in UPOV is effective, Part II details that UPOV’s effectiveness is questionable considering that it has diluted eligibility standards, exaggerated scope of breeders’ rights, and limited exceptions to breeders’ rights. Part III, examines the effectiveness of PPVFA and the proposed Seeds Bill. This part concludes that India should refrain from enacting the Seeds Bill but should, instead, strengthen the PPVFA by plugging existing loopholes to achieve national objectives. The conclusion highlights PBRs per se can potentially lead to increased research in agriculture despite the resulting privatization/ monopolization. |
| #121 | India’s
Rising Role in Asia by Mukul G. Asher Abstract: This paper analyses recent developments in India’s external economic relations, with particular reference to Asia. India’s demonstrated capacity to sustain moderately high growth over a prolonged period, primarily led by private-sector companies provides an avenue for global risk diversification for major economic powers. The paper demonstrates that India’s qualitative and quantitative integration with the rest of Asia (and the world) is far deeper than commonly perceived. India must continue with the integration process; and with efforts to shift to 8 to 10 per cent sustained growth path if it is to reduce poverty and improve quality of life of its 1.1 billion people. There is no room for complacency as India faces severe challenges in sustaining and developing competitiveness in manufacturing, agriculture and services. Higher growth path will require enhancing complementarities and cooperation among public and private sectors; and taking advantage of India’s demographic trends. The paper strongly urges India’s political parties, media, and other elites to strategically and vigorously pursue country’s core economic and strategic interests to meet challenges arising from competing nations. |
| #120 | Relevance
of ‘Policy Space’ for Development: Implications for
Multilateral Trade Negotiations by
Nagesh Kumar and Kevin P. Gallagher Abstract: This paper makes a compelling case for public intervention for fostering industrial development. We have also summarized evidence that suggests that present day developed countries have extensively employed infant industry protection, industrial policy and performance requirements, soft intellectual property protection regimes, subsidies, government procurement and regional economic integration among other policies in their process of industrialization. Many of these policies have also been effectively and successfully emulated by the newly industrializing economies in East Asia to build internationally competitive modern industries despite the lack of the apparent comparative advantage. A development-friendly outcome of the Doha Round would provide flexibility from the TRIPs and TRIMs obligations for facilitating transfer of technology and building up local capabilities in developing countries besides allowing them adequate space for pursuing infant industry protection in the tariff reduction commitments. |
| #119 | India-Sri
Lanka Bilateral Free Trade Agreement: Six Years Performance and
Beyond by Saman Kelegama And Indra
Nath Mukherji Abstract: India-Sri Lanka Bilateral Free Trade Agreement signed in1998 was a pioneering attempt in the direction of trade liberalization in South Asian region. This paper examines the performance of the Agreement in the first six years of its coming into being and draws lessons from its success that could be relevant in the context of SAFTA and other such initiatives. Section 1 of the paper gives an overview of the history of Indo-Lanka trade links and the birth of the Indo- SriLanka Bilateral Trade Agreement. It also talks about the conceptualization of the ILBFTA. Section 2 highlights the positive outcomes of the ILBFTA. Section 3 highlights the negative outcomes and problematic areas that have caught the attention of the trade negotiators. Section 4 describes the steps taken and progress made in moving the FTA towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Section 5 discusses about lessons from six years of success. |
| #118 | Trade
Facilitation Measures in South Asian FTAs: An Overview of Initiatives
and Policy Approaches by Sachin
Chaturvedi |
| #117 | Emerging
Multinationals: Trends, Patterns and Determinants of Outward Investment
by Indian Enterprises by Nagesh Kumar |
| #116 | Addressing
Global Growth Asymmetries through Regional Trade Integration: Some
Explorations
by Ram Upendra Das & Ramaa Sambamurty Abstract: Globalization process has entailed trade openness, greater emphasis on foreign direct investment, stabilization policies, redefining the role of the state, among others. Given that another major global trend observed is one of regional trade integration, the paper explores whether due to this trend there has been any concrete relationship with the growth convergence/divergence outcomes. Tests of Beta-convergence under different model specifications suggest that over time developed and developing countries have not converged in terms of their real per capita GDP though they have converged within their own groups of developed and developing countries. Thus, it is concluded that regional trade integration leads to growth convergence regionally and both openness to global trade and regional trade openness are important. However, the results of the paper need to be interpreted with caution due to the presence of non-stationarity, though the problem is not uniform across variables, tests and regional groupings. A policy inference that can be drawn is that at the global level ‘economic cooperation for economic growth convergence’ needs to be flagged and appropriate institutional mechanisms created to intensify the processes of trade and FDI integration. Broadly, the results are in consonance with the predictions of the New Growth Theories. |
| #115 | Trade
Facilitation and Customs Valuations in India : Identifying the Gaps
by Sachin Chaturvedi Abstract: In recent past, India has taken several measures to implement the trade facilitation measures. These have helped the private sector in a major way and have also helped in setting the stage for a WTO agreement in this regard which is all set to be launched – depending on the negotiation dynamics. However, one of the key areas of concern among the private sector firms has been the one related to the customs valuation. There are varying perceptions regarding the implementation of WTO Customs Valuation (CV) Agreement in India especially in the context of trade facilitation (TF). In this paper, we present results of a survey conducted to understand the major issues confronting this important link of CV to achieve a TF friendly trade regime in India. After interviewing a large number of firms, custom house agents and government officials we found that the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) and Ministry of Finance have put in place a large administrative set up to implement India’s commitments to the CV agreement. The introduction of risk management system (RMS) has provided a great support to the accredited traders as their consignments are cleared at much faster track. However, there are still many cases where industry has to wait for long in getting the goods cleared. There are several reasons responsible for this situation including the large number of cases in which under invoicing is done especially by the traders which triggers a much closer examination of goods and hence much longer time in clearance and this also invites the discretionary powers being used by the customs. Other challenges come from the lack of clear instructions to the ground staff on new technology goods, the import of which is expanding at a fast pace. A greater coordination between industry and customs agencies and intense training programmes for the ground staff may help in a major way to overcome these constraints. |
| #114 | India’s
Regional Trading Arrangements by Rajesh Mehta and S. Narayanan
Abstract: This paper presents a brief non-technical overview of the conceptual basis of RTAs by highlighting the implications of concepts like trade creation and trade diversion. The paper then moves to pinpointing some of the global trends in RTAs to place the Indian engagements in a perspective. The patterns of India’s regional economic initiatives are analyzed by presenting the factual account of the same. A brief over view of possible welfare and human development implications of RTAs in general and of India in particular are also dealt. |
| #113 |
FDI
and Spillover Effects in the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry
by Annika Bergman Abstract: Abstract: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is widely considered to be beneficial for the host economy since it can result in positive externalities (spillover effects) through various transmission channels, for instance, transfer of technology, increased competition and imitation effects. This study analyses intra-industry spillover effects of FDI in the pharmaceutical industry in India. A literature review, interviews and an econometric analysis are carried out in order to examine FDI’s impact on the industry. The Indian pharmaceutical industry has developed through a range of governmental incentives and, foreign firms that have invested in the industry, have additionally contributed to the growth. The results are mixed. Spillover effects are visible in many of the spillover channels from FDI and the regression results show that firms with foreign ownership experience higher productivity levels. However, the correlation between FDI and productivity in domestic firms is insignificant, due to various reasons depending on whether the benefits from FDI are materialized, local firms’ absorptive capability and factors such as the market structure, competitiveness, trade and technological policies. It is in the interest of the state to provide public policies and a sound economic environment to encourage benefit from FDI. |
| #112 |
Regional Cooperation for Asian Energy Security
by Vipul Tuli Abstract: This paper attempts to convey three key messages: First, we believe interdependence in energy among Asian countries is vital for the economic development of key Asian countries. Second, there are several key impediments to increasing Asian interdependence; we believe addressing these impediments is critical. Finally, we suggest some ideas on opportunities for Asian nations to find a common ground on energy security, stability and sustainability. |
| #111 | Demographic
Complementarities and Outsourcing: Implications and Challenges for
India by Mukul G. Asher and Amarendu Nandy Abstract: This paper analyses the implications of differing global demographic trends for India’s competitiveness in outsourcing and offshoring. It also briefly notes the implications of differing demographic trends among the Indian states. The paper argues that demographic complementarities with high-income countries provide India with one-time opportunity to sustain its growth rate and occupy all segments of global outsourcing and offshoring activities. India has used the labor cost advantage to gain reasonable market share in these activities. It however faces serious internal and external challenges in sustaining its international competitiveness, particularly with respect to labor cost. With sustained focus on human resource development, diversification and upgradation policies India can continue to atleast maintain its global market share, and help nurture globally competitive companies. |
| #110 | Reinventing
UNCTAD: Some Proposals for the UNCTAD Mid-term Review by Muchkund
Dubey Abstract: Developed countries have made a concerted effort to change and dismantle UNCTAD over a period of nearly 15 years. It may take the developing countries many years to revive and reinvent the organization. But, UNCTAD must recover its voice and regain the support and respect of developing countries who have identified with it and its mission for decades. There cannot be a more opportune moment than now to begin a campaign to restore the pre-eminence of UNCTAD and bring it back to the forefront of multilateral effort to deal with the current complex global development challenges and build a stable, viable and genuinely democratic international community. UNCTAD’s broad mandate is singularly suited for a new age where promoting development, democracy and equity is one of the principal challenges and pre-conditions for a peaceful and cooperative world. |
| #109 | Trade
Facilitation Priorities in India and Commitments at WTO: An Overview
of Current Trends by Sachin Chaturvedi Abstract: The current mandate of the Negotiating Group for Trade Facilitation (NGTF) is to clarify and improve the three articles, viz. Articles V, VIII and X of the GATT 1994. India has initiated several measures as part of the Trade Facilitation (TF) programme. While most of the measures have already been put in place in the context of Articles VIII and X, the ones left involve significant costs and require careful planning for implementation. In case of Article V, there are certainly major gaps. In countries like India, where trade facilitation is an ongoing exercise, precise cost estimation is a difficult preposition.This includes additional efforts required to support and strengthen the level of communication at the border points. Most of the Land Customs Stations (LCSs) require better infrastructure. The current TF programme may have to go beyond current mandate and take into account specific WTO commitments which may emerge during the ongoing negotiations as per the GATT Articles V, VIII and X. In this paper, an effort is made to take stock of the needs, priorities and cost of implementation of these Articles for India. These ground realities hold important implications for any undertaking by India at the TF negotiations of the WTO. However, given the considerable infrastructural gaps, the Indian negotiating team should exhibit extreme caution towards the new proposals and ideas but should display pragmatism, at least for the measures that have already been implemented in India. |
| #108 | Towards
Comprehensive Economic Co-operation between India and Central Asian
Republics by Ramgopal Agarwala Abstract: Despite some recovery in recent years, Central Asian Republics (CARs) remain in difficult economic situation and they present a serious challenge to Asia. It is in the mutual interest of both CARs and rest of Asia (including India) to explore the avenues for more intensive regional economic co-operation. This paper argues how India can be more active by: (a) giving intellectual confidence to CARs in developing and implementing their own Eurasian model of development which follows a middle path on both democracy and markets; (b) providing financial and technical resources to revive their agriculture , industry and services; and (c) improving connectivity and liberalizing trade and investment regimes for greater exchange of goods, services and capital. |
| #107 | Monetary
and Financial Cooperation in Asia:Emerging Trends and Prospects
by Ramkishen S. Rajan Abstract: Ever since the currency crisis of 1997-98 there has been a great deal of interest in enhancing regional economic cooperation in Asia. It is important to keep in mind that economic regionalism is multidimensional nature. The focus of this paper is on policy initiatives underway in Asia to enhance monetary and financial regionalism and the analytical bases for these initiatives, rather than on examining the de facto level of financial and monetary links that already exists (which may or may not have been facilitated via regional policy mechanisms). There are many gradations of monetary and financial regional cooperation, ranging from the weak form involving regional policy dialogue and surveillance, on the one hand, to exchange rate and monetary coordination, on the other. To maintain focus, this paper concentrates more narrowly on “medium forms” of monetary and financial regionalism, broadly defined as the development of regional liquidity arrangements and regional financial markets. |
| #106 | Japan
and an Asian Economic Community by Masanori Kondo Abstract: Until recently, most Japanese considered the gaining momentum of Asian economic integration in the frame of ASEAN+3. With India maintaining a high economic growth rate and its population being predicted to overtake China as the most populous country in Asia is leading many to rethink the importance of India to Asian economic integration. In order to find a political and economic counterbalance to China, the Japanese government has also put effort in vitalizing the Japan-India relationship. India following its ‘Look East’ policy has been successful in improving its economic relations with Korea, China and Japan. However, with some exceptions, Japanese businesses are behind other countries (especially US, UK, and South Korea) towards investing in India. While there are indeed many unique difficulties involved in entering the Indian market, the massive consumer potential of the population combined with a skilled and numerous labour pool allows many South Korean and American firms to attain great success there. Japanese and Indian policymakers have great designs for the relationship between the two countries, but it is only when Japanese firms step up and make the needed large scale commitment in India that Indo-Japanese trade will start to grow. |
| #105 | India-Vietnam
Trade: Current Relations and Prospects by Rajesh Mehta
Abstract: The main objective of this paper is to analyse the level, growth and composition of India-Vietnam Trade in goods, identify sectors/products in which India has export potential in Vietnam, if a duty free regime is agreed between India and Vietnam, and examine the implication of India-Vietnam bilateral free trade agreement. Our preliminary results show that India has export potential in number of sectors, if a duty free regime is agreed between Indian and Vietnam. The identified commodity groups are: edible fruits and nuts, etc., textile and apparel, fruit bear etc., and transport vehicles. These commodity groups have been identified on the basis of criteria that India has comparative advantage, Vietnam has import demand, and Vietnam has relatively high levels of MFN tariffs. |
| #104 | Trade
in IBSA Economic Cooperation: The Role of Transportation Linkages
by Prabir De Abstract: India, Brazil, and South Africa (IBSA) derive from world’s three continents, which together share 20 percent of world population and 10 percent of world surface area and contribute 4 percent of world GDP and 2 percent of world trade. This paper finds that one of the strongest barriers to trade at present in IBSA appears to be the weak transport connectivity. The present study explores the possibilities of strengthening transport network in IBSA to deepen the trilateral cooperation. The paper calls for urgent task to adopt communication enhancement policy in IBSA to attain a modest growth in regional trade. |
| #103 | Trade
and Environment in the WTO: Negotiating Options for Developing Countries
by Sanjay Kumar and Nupur Chowdhury Abstract: The debate on the trade related environment issues has intensified in the Doha Round at WTO. The idea is to ensure sustainable development as proclaimed in the Preamble to the Marrakesh Agreement. At the Doha Ministerial Conference, Committee on Trade and Environment and the Committee on Trade and Development at the WTO were asked to act as a forum in which the environmental and developmental aspects of the negotiations launched at Doha could be debated. The Paragraph 31 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration is the operative paragraph that sets the guidelines for negotiations on the relationship between WTO rules and specific trade obligations as set out in MEAs and on the reduction or, as appropriate, the elimination of tariff and non-tariff barriers to environmental goods and services. This has encouraged India and other developing countries to approach the trade and environment debate in a new dimension. The project based approach instead of the usual list based approach is a major addition to this new strategy, developing countries seems to be thinking of to keep commitment for the sustainable development at the centre stage. The new approach may also help in ensuring access to environmentally sound technologies urgently needed by many developing and least developed countries. |
| #102 | Prospects
for Environmental Trade under the Regional Process in South Asia:
Evidence from SAPTA and Proposals for SAFTA by
S.K. Mohanty and Sachin Chaturvedi Abstract: The debate about identification of environmentally sensitive goods (ESGs) is highly complex as discussed in the economic literature. In the context of SAFTA, ESGs assumes significance as the region is significantly dependent on these products for trade. In this paper an attempt has been made to formulate a new approach to identify ESGs, and the same definition is used to analyses the nature of trade flows in the South Asian region. The implications of three Rounds of SAPTA trade liberalization in ESGs trade is examined at a disaggregated level separately. The empirical exercise indicates that South Asia has a large market for these products, and nearly one quarter of the regional trade is falling under the medium and high technology product groups. The study has prepared a road map for setoral trade liberalization, which would promote intra-regional trade in ESG products under SAFTA. An effort has been made to suggest counter balancing measures to minimize negative environmental implications of possible trade expansion once SAFTA is implemented. |
| #101 | Emergence
of China and India in the New Millennium: Will it Facilitate Market
Access for LDCs and Developing Countries? by S.K. Mohanty and Sachin
Chaturvedi Abstract: China and India have emerged as highly dynamic economies in recent years. In the Asian region their growth and economic expansion has generated its own complementarities. The paper has empirically shown that surge in the exports of these two countries have significantly contributed to their overall economic growth. Towards this end, both the countries have relied on LDCs and developing countries for their imports and on markets of industrialised economies for exports. The import dependence of India and China is mostly on the industrial intermediate sector, which is critical for their exports. It is advantageous for LDCs and developing countries to closely tie up with these growing economies to get in to their fast expanding markets, but the process is not automatic. Developing countries, particularly LDCs, have to adopt long term strategies to concretise their economic relationship with these two countries to secure persistent market access. Supply and technology constraints in LDCs and other countries may be addressed explicitly, and relevance of these two countries as suppliers of FDI and technology is examined. India and China have made steady progress in frontier technologies such as ICT and biotechnology, and they may provide easy access to these technologies to LDCs and other developing countries. |
| #100 | Towards
a Broader Asian Community: Agenda for the East Asia Summit by
Nagesh Kumar |
| #99 | Biosafety
Protocol, International Trade and Agricultural Biotechnology: Policy
Inferences for India by
Sachin Chaturvedi and Lian Chawii Abstract: The growing development in and possibly greater diffusion of biotechnology products have further accentuated the intensity of trade restrictions on the entry of these goods in countries like EU, Japan and South Korea. While India initiates the various measures to implement the Biosafety protocol it is essential that specific trade policy responses are thought of on priority. This would be important for effective implementation of other Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) as well. In this context apart from other measures certain institutional initiatives need to be launched; for instance regional and sub-regional cooperation, focus on development of necessary skills for quarantine and other agencies, precautionary measures without affecting the trade facilitation measures. At the regional level, initiatives like Biosafety Clearing House and risk assessment mechanism should be effectively put in place. In order to facilitate this the policy specific scientific responses for risk assessment and risk management may also be finalised at the earliest possible. Key Words: Biosafety, Trade, Agricultural Biotechnology and Regional Cooperation |
| #98 | The
WTO Negotiations on Industrial Tariffs: What is at Stake for Developing
Countries? |
| #97 | Non-tariff
Barriers Affecting India’s Exports by Rajesh Mehta Abstract: The purpose of this paper is first of all to highlight that Indian exports do face non-tariff barriers in major export markets especially the US, EU, Japan and other developed countries, which significantly hinder India’s exports to these markets. A second related aim is to illustrate the range of barriers, which confront Indian exporters. A third proximate goal is to suggest policy responses. |
| #96 | Advancing
the ASEAN-India Partnership in the New Millennium by Ong Keng
Yong Abstract: India has an emerging web of cooperation with East Asian countries, especially ASEAN through the ASEAN-India dialogue process, the bilateral free trade agreements with Singapore and Thailand and sub-regional initiatives such as the Mekong-Ganga cooperation and the BIMST-EC. In this discussion paper the ASEAN Secretary-General focuses on the need to develop a partnership between ASEAN and India that has the dual objectives of addressing the challenges of globalisation and working closely to reap the opportunities of the same universal phenomena. There are enough opportunities and challenges to compel ASEAN and India to work closely in maintaining peace and stability, expanding economic linkages and improving the critical human capacities. The paper also presents ten points for Advancing ASEAN-India People-to-People Partnership. |
| #95 | The
Search for Regional Architecture: The Role of ASEAN as Strange Attractor
by Djisman S. Simanjuntak Abstract: There is one other important reason for arguing that a deep comprehensive ASEAN integration is indispensable under the current network of initiatives on external relations. Using ASEAN as a “strange attractor” for an East Asian integration is unlikely to bear fruits unless ASEAN is willing to set example. Even a deeply integrated ASEAN may still find it difficult to persuade the rest of East Asia on the merits of East Asian integration, given the very limited muscle of ASEAN in terms of its external trade and investments. Being a recipient rather than a donor of official development assistance ASEAN is handicapped in playing the role of champion in trade and investment liberalization. What ASEAN most realistically can do is to serve as the “hub for post offices” while major Asian countries seek to put aside differences in order to promote economic co-operation and integration. ASEAN has once missed the opportunity of playing the role of a champion of the ambitious regional integration of APEC. It should avoid committing the same mistake while endeavoring to promote an East Asian integration or even an Asia-wide integration. |
| #94 | India-Central Asia Economic Relations: A Report of RIS/CII Seminar |
| #93 | Asian
Energy Outlook to 2020: Trends, Patterns and Imperatives of Regional
Cooperation by Kokichi Ito, Zhidong and Ryoichi Komiyama Abstract: With booming economic growth Asia will play increasingly important role in global economic and energy matters. World primary energy consumption is projected to expand at an average annual growth rate of 2.1 percent by 2020. About 70 percent of the increase would be accounted for by non-OECD member economies, two thirds of which are from the Asian region. The increase in demand for oil in Asia will most likely amplify the dependency on shipments from other regions (particularly the Middle East). Ensuring energy security would therefore turn out to be a vital task. In Asia (particularly East Asia), the achievement of the “three Es” (economic development, energy security, and environmental preservation) could no longer be viewed as a task to be addressed by each economy separately. Instead, it should be approached through region-wide cooperation - a goal of common interest. |
| #92 | Regional
Trade and Investment Architecture in Asia-Pacific: Emerging Trends
and Imperatives by Tiziana Bonapace Abstract: Regionalism has become a key component of the new international order. It offers to the governments of developed and developing countries a new and attractive complementary strategy to multilateralism. Most countries of the world today belong to one or more regional trading arrangements of some kind covering more than two-thirds of the trade conducted. The Asia Pacific region is no exception to this trend. This paper examines the evolving regional trading panorama in the Asia Pacific region with its recent surge in bilateralism and its implications for evolving a regional trade and investment architecture. It argues that by facilitating the development of a seamless, region-wide zone of trade and investment, the region will enhance its prospects for becoming world’s center of economic growth and prosperity by 2020. |
| #91 | India-East
Asia Integration: A Win-Win for Asia
by Mukul G. Asher and Rahul Sen Abstract: This paper argues that India’s unilateral liberalization policies since the early 1990s, and purposeful and strategic pursual of its Look East Policy has resulted in considerably greater integration with the rest of Asia than is commonly realized or acknowledged. Moreover, the enabling conditions for greater economic integration among major Asian economies have been laid. If Asia is to increase its economic and political weight in the world affairs, India’s involvement would have to be an integral part of the Asia-wide cooperation. It is in this context that closer cooperation among Japan, ASEAN, South Korea, India, and China would provide considerable win-win opportunities and will have far ranging implications for the world. |
| #90 | Strategic
Relevance of Asian Economic Integration
by Eric Teo Chu Cheow Abstract: As the spread of SARS had shown last year, the longer-term goal of an East Asian Community (ASEAN, China, Japan and South Korea) may already be crystallizing much faster than was initially thought, thanks to increasing people-to-people contacts and the freer movement of goods, services, tourists and expatriates across the whole region. India appears poised to be joining this Asian movement too. |
| #89 |
China
Role in the Asian Economic Unification Process
by Yao Chao Cheng Abstract: The 21st century, as being said the world over, will belong to Asia. The regional economic cooperation in Asia is developing fast and well with the ASEAN as a center and with the positive participations of major Asian nations such as China, India and Japan. The cooperation has shown that the Asian economic unification is in process. We believe that the economic unification process shall result in an Asian economic community. The integrated cooperation is the best way for Asian nations to make common development and the "fault lines" as proposed in Samuel Huntington’s paradigm1 can be repaired and transcended in the unification process. |
| #88 |
Strategic
Approach to Strengthening the International Competitiveness in Knowledge
Based Industries: Electronics Industry
by K.J. Joseph Abstract: It is generally understood that while the IT software and service sector in India recorded unprecedented growth rate in a sustained manner for more than a decade and established credibility in the international market, the hardware sector, both computer hardware and other electronics equipment and components, has shown a decelerating trend. At the same time, being a signatory to Information Technology Agreement of WTO, India is committed to reduce the tariff rates on a wide range of IT goods to zero level by 2005 leading to unprecedented import competition. Hence it is important that the industry equip itself to meet the import competition and enhance its export competitiveness. Against this background the present paper analyzed performance (both export and production) of electronics industry and comes out with the broad contours of a strategic approach towards promoting the international competitiveness of India’s electronics industry. |
| #87 |
Regional
Cooperation for Poverty Alleviation and Food Security in South Asia
by Sachin Chaturvedi Abstract: This paper explores the various options available within the framework of regional cooperation for addressing issues like poverty alleviation and food security in the Asian region. This becomes important in context of Doha Development Agenda (DDA) which has called for linking up trade with poverty reduction efforts. The paper suggests joint marketing of various products from Asian developing countries for increasing the market profile, apart from collectively addressing issues like introduction of new technologies for enhancing productivity. The paper also addresses some of the policy constraints such as restricted market access, growing digital divide and emerging non-tariff barriers to be attended on a priority basis. |
| #86 |
Towards
a Free Trade Area in South Asia: Charting A Feasible Course for Trade
Liberalisation with Reference to India's Role
by Indra Nath Mukherji Abstract: Four rounds of exchange of trade concessions have taken place under the South Asian Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA). Initiated since December 1995, negotiations under SAPTA have been based on Positive List approach. A large number of products have however been offered concessions exclusively to Least Developed Countries (LDCs). India has offered the largest number of concessions, particularly favouring LDCs with tariff preferences ranging from 50-100 percent. This paper examines the impact of tariff concessions on India’s preferential trade in the first three rounds of SAPTA negotiations in relation to its total bilateral trade with Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka covering the period 1996-97 to 2002-03. The hypothesis is that tariff cuts are expected to induce faster growth in India’s preferential trade in relation to its bilateral trade. The study reveals that owing to lack of proper targeting, low preferential margins, non-concern with a variety of non-tariff barriers, and the emergence of more ambitious Indo-Lanka Free Trade Agreement, the performance of India’s preferential trade under SAPTA has been lackluster. However, there are a few hopeful pointers. There has been relatively better targeting of trade preferences between India and Pakistan leading to increasing share in India’s preferential trade in recent years for products exchanged preferences in the Second Round. Bangladesh has been the main beneficiary of India’s offer of duty-free access to least developed countries on selected products under the Third Round and their immediate positive response in terms of increasing shares in India’s preferential imports is just beginning to be observed. The paper suggests a few modalities to meet the required prerequisites for a smooth transition from SAPTA to SAFTA. Experience from the operation of SAPTA suggests that mere tinkering with modest preferential margins, maintaining unduly long phase-out period to attain the goal of a free trade area without concern for deeper forms of integration such as removal of non-tariff barriers, investment cooperation and improvement in trade facilitation measures could make SAFTA largely irrelevant. |
| #85 |
Industrial
Restructuring and Export Competitiveness of the Textiles and Clothing
Sector in SAARC in the Context of MFA Phase-Out
by Ram Upendra Das Abstract: Traditionally, the textiles and clothing industry has been considered as one of the relatively more labour-intensive manufacturing industries in which developing countries have had comparative advantage mainly on account of cheap labour. Through econometric explorations the present paper observes a situation characterized as factor intensity reversal in South Asian countries necessitated by structural transformation within the industry due to increasing use of their scarce factor. The paper argues that implementing such a change in the production process in these countries would not be easy, especially in the post-MFA regime and thus regional cooperation in this sector could be one of the ways of meeting the post-MFA challenges. In this context, the paper explores the prospects for horizontal specialization and industrial restructuring with the help of strengthening trade-investment linkages in this sector in the SAARC region along with adopting some other policy measures. |
| #84 |
India's
Export by Countries and Commodities: On the Estimation of a Forecasting
Model Using Panel Data by Rajesh Mehta and Parul Mathur |
| #83 |
A
Strategic Approach to Strengthening International Competitiveness
in Knowledge Based Industries: Indian Chemical Industry
by Vijay Kumar Kaul Abstract: Indian chemical industry, traditionally insulated from rest of the world, of late has been exposed to global competition. The paper examines its coping strategies and sectoral innovation system: industry’s evolution, major characteristics, policy and institutional framework, and its competitive edge in the global chemical industry. It prescribes some policy guidelines both for the business enterprises and the policy makers. Enterprises need to develop a strategic intent, choose a right business model to operate, develop technological competence to innovate, and focus on economies of scale, quality and environmental norms. Further, it emphasizes the need for strengthening chemical innovation system, availability of institutional finance for modernization, exports and investment, rationalization of the tariffs on import of strategic inputs, and promoting knowledge and chemical parks |
| #82 |
A
Strategic Approach to Strengthening International Competitiveness
in Knowledge Based Industries: The Case of Indian Automotive Industry
by Neelam Singh Abstract: This study examines the export performance and prospects of the Indian automotive industry. The technology factor being critical, the in-house, collaborative and sponsored R&D needs greater encouragement. We also recommend an early upgradation of testing facilities, and move towards uniform standards; establishment of auto compo zones/ parks, and window showcasing centers; the industry-government partnership in manpower training; institutional provision of export marketing information, market development funds and branding assistance; and FTAs with more prosperous regions. Fixed investment abroad should be promoted, say through tax credit, with a geographical focus and in a coordinated fashion for vehicle and auto component producers. |
| #81 |
A Strategic Approach
to Strengthening International Competitiveness in Knowledge Based
Industries: Non-electrical Machinery Industry by M. Padma Suresh Abstract: This study examines some major issues regarding competitiveness in one of the medium-high technology industries namely non-electrical machinery industry. Besides a review of the evolution and structure of the industry, the growth performance of the component industries is examined at the three-digit ASI level. A detailed analysis of exports as well as imports at the four-digit ITC classification is undertaken to examine the impact of liberalisation on specific machinery categories. The study indicates the inward orientation of the industry. Low tariffs and liberal imports including imports of second hand machinery have affected some industries like textile machinery and machine tools. The study considers two specific issues that are important for establishing export competitiveness namely developing technological capability and FDI in the industry. A case study of machine tool industry is incorporated for a better understanding of these issues. The report concludes with suggestions for strengthening competitiveness in the industry. |
| #80 |
Strategic
Approach to Strengthening the International Competitiveness in Knowledge
Based Industries: The Indian Pharmaceutical Industry by Aradhna
Aggarwal |
| #79 |
Complementarities
and Potentials of Intra-regional Transfers of Investments, Technology
and Skills in Asia by Saikat Sinha Roy Abstract: This paper examines complementarities in merchandise trade and potentials for intra-regional transfers of investments, technology and skills in Asia. The analysis shows that intra-regional trade was substantial and growing, but trade complementarities were limited. Asian countries have also emerged as sources of as well as destinations for investment, technology and skills. In the event of a formal regional integration arrangement in Asia, there is potential for intra-regional trade, investments, technology transfers and skill movements. Substantial gains in regional welfare are also expected. |
| #78 |
Towards Formation
of Close Economic Cooperation among Asian Countries by S K Mohanty,
Sanjib Pohit, and Saikat Sinha Roy Abstract: There have been several attempts in the past for the formation of an Asian Economic Community (AEC) with a view to enhance continental welfare within stipulated timeframe. The formation of a Close Economic Relation (CER) among some of the vibrant economies of the region, particularly JACIK Member countries (ASEAN plus three plus one) would be of immense importance in attaining such a goal. Three alternative forms of comprehensive economic liberalisation schemes may be envisaged. In this paper an effort has been made to examine the implication of CER on the region using monopolistic version of Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) for the JACIK countries. The model has been used to examine the implications of complete liberalisation of trade, investment and movement of natural persons. The results show that the proposed CER may enhance global welfare as well as welfare for individual countries in the caucus. Following formation of the proposed CER, the absolute increase in regional welfare may go beyond US$ 210 billion per annum amounting to more than 3 per cent of the region’s GNP. The implications of the CER on the regional economy would be favourable in improving production efficiency, expanding exports apart from increasing returns on capital and labour. |
| #77 |
Transaction Costs
as Barriers to Economic Integration in Asia: An Empirical Exploration
by Prabir De Abstract: Recent literature has emphasized the importance of transaction costs and infrastructure in explaining trade, access to markets, and regional cooperation under globalization. For most Asian countries, transaction cost works as a strong barrier to trade integration than import tariff. By estimating a structural model of economic geography using cross-country data on income, infrastructure, transaction costs and trade of selected Asian economies, this paper provides evidence that transaction cost is statistically significant and important in explaining variation in trade in Asia. In addition, the study also finds that port efficiency and infrastructure quality are two important determinants of transaction costs. |
| #76 |
by K.J Joseph Abstract: This paper argues that the present approach, which aims at proliferating the use of ICTs in developing countries, by neglecting its production, is likely to perpetuate technological dependence of the South. Hence the e-strategies and policies in the South need to integrate both production and use. In this process much could be gained by South-South cooperation because, unlike the earlier general-purpose technologies, in case of ICTs substantial capabilities exist in the South. While there are certain initiatives at the regional and bilateral level to foster cooperation, the paper calls for an e-South Framework Agreement to facilitate a broad based approach to pool the resources such that economies of scale and scope are achieved and risks minimized. |
| #75 |
Transport Cooperation
in BIMST-EC: Issues and Way Forward by Prabir De The growth of regional trading blocs has been one of the major developments in international relations in recent years; all countries are now members of at least one bloc and many belong to more than one. The major contributing factor to rising regional integration across many parts of the world has been improved integrated transport systems which has facilitated nesting of regional and/or sub-regional markets. This paper finds that the scale of intra-regional infrastructure disparity in BIMST-EC is quite significant resulting in wider scope for stronger economic interdependence in the region. The paper concludes that although at present there is limited interdependence among BIMST-EC members in terms of intra-regional trade, a stronger and desirable intra-regional trade is contingent upon improved transport network among BIMST-EC countries. This is not a difficult task as these countries not only belong to the same geographical rim but also they have a strong historical and cultural bond. |
| #74 | WTO
Market Access Negotiations and Indian Small Scale Industry by Rajesh Mehta and Pooja Agarwal A large section of Indian small-scale industrial sector had been protected from the plundering rivalry of the large-scale industries. The ongoing trade liberalization and globalization talks can put these industries in problem. The main aim of this paper is to assess the implications of present round of World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations on Indian products, which are for exclusive manufacture by small-scale sector. As a first step the analyses of the Uruguay round Commitments, Doha declaration and member countries’ proposals, with special emphasis on the developing countries taking India as the case study, has been conducted. Further the structure and levels of bindings, base rates from where negotiations would start and tariff incidence for the products reserved for the exclusive manufacture of Indian small-scale industries has been studied. Finally the likely post negotiations scenarios for Indian small-scale industries have been presented. The study finds some interesting results. At present around 66 per cent |