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12. EU-ASEAN Political Relations in the Light of Values and Norms of the International Liberal Order
- Author:
- Joanna Starzyk-Sulejewska
- Publication Date:
- 01-2024
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Polish Political Science Yearbook
- Institution:
- Polish Political Science Association (PPSA)
- Abstract:
- The article aims to analyse the significance of liberal norms and values in the development of political relations between the EU and ASEAN, an issue which has been only selectively analysed in academic literature. At the same time, the topic of the article fits into a broader landscape of issues associated with the development of relations between international intergovernmental organisations in contemporary international relations, only partially studied in Polish and international literature to date. Considering the essential framework of classic constructivism, as well as significant contributions added by critical constructivism, the article formulates a research hypothesis whereby the European Union and ASEAN are organisations which, while recognising the importance of liberal values and norms, take a different approach to their promotion and protection. The European Union, which attempted to act towards ASEAN as an interpreter and diffuser of the aforementioned values and norms in the 1990s, adopted a pragmatic approach over time, in response to ASEAN’s stance and actions, limiting its role in this respect and taking regional conditions and dependencies into account. In order to verify this hypothesis, three research questions were formulated, namely: What is the place of liberal norms and values in the EU and ASEAN policy documents? Is the respect and protection of liberal norms and values an important element declared in mutual relations? How do both sides approach the implementation of liberal norms and values in practice in selected cases? This article is structured around these issues and discusses the significance of liberal norms and values in EU and ASEAN policy documents, the place and role of liberal norms and values in documents underpinning EUASEAN relations and in EU documents formulated towards ASEAN and the Southeast Asian region and also provides an analysis of EU and ASEAN policy towards Myanmar.
- Topic:
- International Relations, European Union, Liberalism, Norms, ASEAN, and International Order
- Political Geography:
- Europe and Asia-Pacific
13. Elevating Consumer Confidence: Strengthening Legal Frameworks and Cross-Border Dispute Resolution in ASEAN’s Digital Marketplace
- Author:
- Mahirah Mahusin and Hilmy Prilliadi
- Publication Date:
- 12-2024
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
- Abstract:
- ASEAN’s rapidly growing digital economy underscores the urgent need to safeguard online consumers. As internet and e-commerce usage soar, robust consumer protection mechanisms are essential to address the risks inherent in digital transactions. This Policy Brief explores the current state of online consumer protection in ASEAN, highlighting the critical need for comprehensive legal and policy frameworks that span all stages of online transactions. Drawing on the ASEAN Strategic Action Plan on Consumer Protection and existing legislative measures, it identifies significant gaps in coverage and enforcement. The analysis emphasises the importance of pre-contractual information duties in fostering transparency and consumer trust. Key policy recommendations include the establishment of minimum protection standards for digital platforms, the development of thorough pre-contractual regulations, and the creation of an interoperable ASEAN Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) network. These measures aim to enhance consumer confidence, ensure a secure digital marketplace, and align ASEAN’s practices with international standards.
- Topic:
- Digital Economy, ASEAN, E-Commerce, Digital Marketplace, and Consumer Protection
- Political Geography:
- Asia
14. Promoting E-Invoicing Interoperability in ASEAN: Overcoming Barriers to Trade Digitalisation
- Author:
- Mahirah Mahusin and Hilmy Prilliadi
- Publication Date:
- 12-2024
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
- Abstract:
- Electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) is a vital component of paperless trading, delivering substantial cost savings and efficiency gains for businesses. The ASEAN e-invoicing market has experienced notable growth, spurred by initiatives from tax authorities, public procurement agencies, and business digitalisation programmes. However, adoption across the region still faces significant challenges. To address these barriers, ASEAN has introduced initiatives to foster interoperability, develop common standards, and support regional integration. By prioritising standardisation, offering government support, and encouraging private sector adoption through financial incentives and capacity-building efforts, ASEAN can accelerate trade digitalisation and enhance economic integration across the region.
- Topic:
- Trade, ASEAN, Supply Chains, Digitalization, and Electronic Invoicing
- Political Geography:
- Asia
15. Securing Regional Solar Supply Chains: Determinants and Preparedness of the Northeastern Region of India and ASEAN
- Author:
- Prabir De, Komal Biswal, and Venkatachalam Anbumozhi
- Publication Date:
- 11-2024
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
- Abstract:
- Renewable energy contributes to the acceleration of the energy transition, supports global environmental mitigation, and helps meet sustainable development goals. Energy connectivity of India’s Northeastern Region (NER) with neighbouring countries particularly ASEAN assumes critical importance for accelerating economic integration. NER can play a three-dimensional role as power producer, exporter, and transit provider provided a quadrangular approach to build energy linkages and promote integration is consciously put in place. To understand whether the NER states are capable enough to take forward the solar supply chain development and bolster the ASEAN-India engagements in solar energy sector, this study has designed a state-level index of solar supply chain development by factoring in seven parameters, namely, (i) economic situations, (ii) environmental factors, (iii) spread of connectivity, (iv) financial enabling conditions, (v) mobility, (vi) human development, and (vi) social cohesion, which directly or indirectly influence the solar supply chain development in India. The results show that a clean and decent environment is must for development of solar supply chain. In addition, the study suggests that there is a need to improve the solar supply chain capability in the NER to enhance the economic growth. Leveraging policy support and reinvigorating existing institutions and creating new ones are imperatives for predicting the solar supply chain in the NER. This indexing may help track the trends, allowing for more informed decision-making in securing regional solar supply chain.
- Topic:
- Renewable Energy, ASEAN, Solar Power, Supply Chains, and Energy
- Political Geography:
- India and Asia
16. Enhancing Plastic Reuse and Recycling with a Full Life-Cycle Approach
- Author:
- Aulia Salsabella Suwarno and Ivana Suradja
- Publication Date:
- 11-2024
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
- Abstract:
- Plastic pollution poses both environmental and economic challenges for Southeast Asia, underscoring the urgent need for a transition to a circular plastics economy driven by reuse and recycling strategies. Although AMS have incorporated these strategies within their National Action Plans, they are struggling to achieve the scale necessary to counteract rising plastic waste. This policy brief identifies key barriers hindering the growth of plastic reuse and recycling initiatives in the region and provides targeted recommendations based on a full life-cycle approach. By adopting this approach, AMS can maximise the economic potential associated with effective plastic waste management and pollution mitigation.
- Topic:
- Environment, Pollution, Recycling, ASEAN, and Plastic
- Political Geography:
- Asia
17. Strengthening ASEAN’s Cybersecurity: Collaborative Strategies for Enhanced Resilience and Regional Cooperation
- Author:
- Mahirah Mahusin and Hilmy Prilliadi
- Publication Date:
- 11-2024
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
- Abstract:
- As ASEAN’s digital economy continues to expand, the region faces escalating cybersecurity risks with significant potential costs. This policy brief examines ASEAN’s current cybersecurity landscape, underscoring the need for enhanced cooperation and comprehensive strategies to address the rising threat of cyberattacks. The economic impact of cyberattacks in ASEAN is already substantial, affecting both public and private sectors. This brief reviews existing efforts such as the ASEAN Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy 2021–2025 and the ASEAN Regional Computer Emergency Response Team (ASEAN CERT), recommending the establishment of a shared cybersecurity taxonomy, capacity-building initiatives, and legal framework updates to bolster cybersecurity. Key policy recommendations encourage robust multi-stakeholder collaboration at national and regional levels.
- Topic:
- Regional Cooperation, Cybersecurity, Regulation, Digital Economy, and ASEAN
- Political Geography:
- Asia
18. Promoting Fair Competition in ASEAN’s Digital Economy: Strengthening Policies for a Level Playing Field
- Author:
- Mahirah Mahusin and Hilmy Prilliadi
- Publication Date:
- 11-2024
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
- Abstract:
- ASEAN’s digital economy is growing rapidly, offering both significant opportunities and challenges. Ensuring a competitive digital market is essential for fostering innovation, reducing costs, and enhancing product quality and choice for consumers and businesses, particularly MSMEs. This policy brief assesses the current digital market competition landscape in ASEAN, emphasising the need for robust competition policies to mitigate anti-competitive behaviours and establish a level playing field. It discusses key initiatives like the ASEAN Competition Action Plan (ACAP) 2025 and the ASEAN Guidelines for Sharing Merger Cases, while examining the complexities of digital markets, including the influence of dominant platforms, algorithmic impacts, and data privacy considerations. Policy recommendations focus on aligning provisions in the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) with regional standards and international best practices, enhancing regulatory capabilities, fostering regional cooperation, and promoting consumer education and protection.
- Topic:
- Digital Economy, Innovation, ASEAN, Economic Competition, and Digital Marketplace
- Political Geography:
- Asia
19. Global Minimum Tax: Policy Impact on Investment Promotion and Incentives in ASEAN Member States
- Author:
- Sufian Jusoh and Intan Murnira Ramli
- Publication Date:
- 10-2024
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
- Abstract:
- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Member States are some of the most important foreign direct investment destinations in the world. Investment in ASEAN Member States covers all four pillars of investment typology: natural resources, market-seeking, export oriented, and strategic assets. Key sectors – such as semiconductors, tourism, consumer products, e-commerce, banking, and commodities (e.g. nickel) – are expected to benefit from this trend. Many of the investors in ASEAN are multinational enterprises, and multinational enterprises earning €750 million or more in two of the four fiscal years, are now subject to the Global Minimum Tax (GMT) in more than 140 jurisdictions around the world. With the introduction of the GMT, ASEAN Member States must rethink their incentives and investment promotion strategies to maintain their competitive edge over other foreign direct investment destinations around the globe.
- Topic:
- Tax Systems, Investment, ASEAN, and Incentives
- Political Geography:
- Asia
20. Empowering Micro Businesses in Southeast Asia: Addressing Challenges and Harnessing Opportunities for ASEAN Economic Integration
- Author:
- Haris Zuan, Muhammad Falik Abd Razak, and Intan Murnira Ramli
- Publication Date:
- 09-2024
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
- Abstract:
- Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of Southeast Asia’s private sector, with microbusinesses comprising a significant majority. However, many operate informally, posing challenges for state recognition and assistance, particularly when youth manage these enterprises. More available data are needed to prioritise microbusinesses within economic policy. Nonetheless, microenterprises stand to benefit significantly from the region’s robust digital, transportation, and cultural connectivity, making enhancements in these areas crucial for their success. To address these challenges, policy recommendations focus on empowering youth in the micro-economy through digital inclusion initiatives and greater participation in decision-making processes. Additionally, enhancing cross-border payment systems is essential for promoting innovation and digitalisation in payment systems. Standard harmonisation, the adoption of shared data frameworks, and regulatory frameworks are necessary for facilitating faster cross-border transactions and minimising disruptions in payment systems.
- Topic:
- Business, Regional Integration, ASEAN, Economic Integration, and Inclusion
- Political Geography:
- Asia