Trade Policy and the Role of Regional and Bilateral FTAs : The Case of New Zealand and Singapore

The Agreement between New Zealand and Singapore for a Closer Economic Partnership (ANZSCEP) that came into force in January 2001 assumes important significance as it is the first comprehensive bilateral FTA that was signed involving Singapore, and also the first bilateral FTA of an ASEAN member, thus initiating the process of “new regionalism” in Asia. Since ANZSCEP is the only Singapore FTA that has been in force for more than five years now, the time is ripe to study some early effects of the FTAs between Singapore and New Zealand on bilateral economic relations, if any. In this context, the New Zealand High Commission in Singapore hosted a one-day Trade Policy Seminar on 10 May 2007 at Four Seasons Hotel, Singapore. This book, a collection of three papers presented at the above seminar by experts on the subject, provides a deeper understanding about motivations of New Zealand and Singapore to enter into other bilateral FTAs and some of the visible impacts observed since their implementation.

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.

This book is a collection of papers presented at a Trade Policy Seminar held in Singapore on May 10, 2007.Free trade—Singapore—Congresses.Free trade—New Zealand—Congresses.Singapore—Commercial policy—Congresses.New Zealand—Commercial policy—Congresses.Singapore—Foreign economic relations—New Zealand—Congresses.New Zealand—Foreign economic relations—Singapore—Congresses. Regional and bilateral FTAs in the Asia-Pacific region / Richard Grant A sharing of Singapore's perspective on regional and bilateral FTAs in Asia Pacific / Loh Wai Keong Enhancing bilateral economic linkages through new regionalism, the case of Singapore and New Zealand / Rahul Sen. CONTENTS FOREWORD ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS 1 REGIONAL AND BILATERAL FTAs IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION A SHARING OF SINGAPORE’S PERSPECTIVE ON REGIONAL AND BILATERAL FTAs IN ASIA-PACIFIC 3 ENHANCING BILATERAL ECONOMIC LINKAGES THROUGH NEW REGIONALISM