Open Regionalism and Trade Liberalization : an Asia-Pacific Contribution to the World Trade System

Open Regionalism is regional economic co-operation without discrimination against countries outside the region. The concept grew from the experience of rapid growth, and expanding trade and investment across national borders, in East Asia and the Pacific. It became the guiding idea of Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation. It is now recognized as being the means through which the growing appeal of regional trading arrangements can be reconciled with a flourishing global trade system within the framework of the new World Trade Organization.

From China to Facebookistan, the Internet has transformed global commerce. A cyber-law expert argues that we must free Internet trade while simultaneously protecting consumers.

On the ancient Silk Road, treasure-laden caravans made their arduous way through deserts and mountain passes, establishing trade between Asia and the civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. Today’s electronic Silk Roads ferry information across continents, enabling individuals and corporations anywhere to provide or receive services without obtaining a visa. But the legal infrastructure for such trade is yet rudimentary and uncertain. If an event in cyberspace occurs at once everywhere and nowhere, what law applies? How can consumers be protected when engaging with companies across the world?

In this accessible book, cyber-law expert Anupam Chander provides the first thorough discussion of the law that relates to global Internet commerce. Addressing up-to-the-minute examples, such as Google’s struggles with China, the Pirate Bay’s skirmishes with Hollywood, and the outsourcing of services to India, the author insightfully analyzes the difficulties of regulating Internet trade. Chander then lays out a framework for future policies, showing how countries can dismantle barriers while still protecting consumer interests.

CONTENTS TABLES FIGURES PREFACE 1. Open Regionalism: Reality Shapes an Idea 2. Open Regionalism: Its Analytic Basis and Relevance to the International System 3. APEC after Seattle and the Uruguay Round 4. Options for Asia-Pacific Trade Liberalization: A Pacific Free Trade Area? 5. The Bogor Declaration on Asia-Pacific Trade Liberalization 6. The Western Pacific Paradigm and the Singapore Ministerial Meeting of the WTO 7. The Asia-Pacific: Role Model and Engine of Growth 8. A Pacific Free Trade Area? 9. Australia in the Western Pacific Economy REFERENCES INDEX About the Author