Shaping sustainable development in new Asia-Pacific regionalism

Publication Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

7-2025

Abstract

The multilateral trading system has encountered diverse challenges that hinder its capacity to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. In response, regional blocs have initiated alternative approaches to enhance the trade-development nexus. The chapter argues that new Asia-Pacific regionalism has shaped sustainable development by utilizing alternative and distinct mechanisms. The chapter offers three critical case studies based on new comprehensive and sectoral agreements. First, the services trade-oriented development strategy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nation-centered agreements demonstrates flexible designs that are arguably more suitable for the Global South. Second, the sectoral agreement focusing on promoting a green economy aims to break the impasses of trade–environmental negotiations in multilateral forums. Finally, soft-law agreements that emphasize the rights of Indigenous Peoples have energized new norms for inclusive trade. Collectively, these new developments have the potential to shape global trade rules for achieving sustainable development.

Discipline

International Trade Law

Publication

Research handbook on trade law and development

Editor

ROLLAND,Sonia E.

First Page

256

Last Page

272

ISBN

9781035325955

Identifier

10.4337/9781035325962

Publisher

Elgar

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035325962

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS