Strengthening Regional Trade Integration in South Asia: A SAARC Perspective

Description

This book brings forth the philosophical, conceptual and practical contours of the trade regionalism provisions under the GATT/WTO. It analyses SAARC as the regional integration organisation of South Asia along with identifying major challenges and bottlenecks faced by it in the process of achieving regional integration. It presents ways and methods through which SAARC can be made a more effective regional organisation. The book predominantly focuses on trade regionalism. However, other areas of integration which have impacts on the trade regionalism are also examined like social and political integrations etc. The book takes off from the premise that trade regionalism under SAARC has failed and has been marred by political and security concerns among its member nations. It has failed to achieve its objective on all the three counts, which are promoting peace, development and economic cooperation. However, with the developing countries as members, SAARC has great potential for trade integration. Certain structural, normative and organisation alteration along with favourable ideation can still make SAARC achieve its full potential. The book also deals with the comparative analysis of SAARC regional integration with the regional integration under European Union and ASEAN. Regarding comparative regionalism, the discussion has been confined only to the EU and ASEAN. The EU has been chosen because it is comparatively established as one of the most successful regional organisations in the contemporary world. Whereas, ASEAN has been chosen because of its similarity to the SAARCs economy, society and political structure. The analysis presented in the book is from the perspectives of international law and international relations theories and practise. This book thus is of particular relevance to the students, researchers, academicians, policymakers and practitioners of international trade law, international relations and South Asian studies. Foreword Preface Acknowledgements About This Book List of Authorities List of Statutes, Agreements and Declaration List of Reports Contents About the Author Abbreviations List of Figures 1 Introduction References 2 Trade Regionalism Under GATT/WTO 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Regulations on Trade Regionalism 2.2.1 Internal Requirement Regarding the Formation 2.2.2 External Requirements 2.2.3 Review and Reporting 2.3 Theoretical Background to Trade Regionalism 2.3.1 Static Welfare and Dynamic Path Analysis of Regionalism 2.3.2 Functionalism and Regional Integration 2.3.3 Neo-functionalism 2.3.4 Inter-Governmentalism and Liberal Inter-Governmentalism 2.3.5 International Political Economy and Trade Regionalism 2.4 Chapter Conclusion References 3 Barriers to Trade and Trade Facilitation in Reference to SAARC Region 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Tariff Barrier and Multilateral Regulations 3.3 Non-tariff Barriers and Multilateral Regulations 3.3.1 General Obligations Under GATT on Non-tariff Barriers 3.3.2 WTO Specialised Agreements on Non-tariff Barriers 3.4 Trade Facilitation and Multilateral Initiatives 3.5 Tariff and Non-tariff Barriers in South Asia 3.5.1 SAARC Visa Regime 3.5.2 Improving Transit Infrastructure and Transport Mobility 3.5.3 Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures in South Asia 3.5.4 Inadequate Banking and Financial Facilities 3.6 Conclusion References 4 Comparative Regionalism: SAARC, ASEAN and EU 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Comparative Regionalism and SAARC: Theoretical and Methodological Concerns 4.3 Comparative Regionalism: Analysis 4.3.1 Ideation and Integration 4.3.2 Regional Governance Model 4.3.3 Institutions and Structures 4.4 Chapter Conclusion References 5 Strengthening Trade Regionalism Under SAARC 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Revisiting the Role of India: The Hegemonic Big Brother or Partner in Cooperation? 5.3 Revival of the Principle of Non-reciprocity and the Gujral Doctrine 5.4 Strengthening Powers of SAARC as a Potent Supranational Institution 5.5 Creation of SAARC Robust Conflict Resolution and Dispute Settlement Body 5.6 Segregation of Trade from Politics 5.7 Cultivating Mutual Economic Complementarity 5.8 Governments’ Role: Prisoner’s Dilemma Game 5.9 Principle of Unanimity to Qualified Majority Voting 5.10 Chapter Conclusion References 6 Conclusion and Suggestions 6.1 Conclusion 6.2 Suggestions References Annexe I: Selected WTO Provisions on Regional Integration Arrangements Annexe II: Charter of the South Asian Association For Regional Cooperation Annexe III: SAARC Provisional Rules of Procedure Bibliography Index