아시아·태평양 경제권 형성 : 역사적 전개와 전망

Asia-Pacific Economic Integration : Historical Evolution and Prospects

The rapid growth and huge transformation of East Asian countries' trade and economy have initiated the increasing, interdependence within the Asia-Pacific region and created the greater intra-regional division of labour. Accordingly, interests have developed in the establishment of mechanisms for closer consultation and cooperation among the regional economies, both to exploit the potential for trade and growth within the region, and to project Asia-Pacific interests and responsibilites in the global arena. APEC, evolved from the practical and intellectual pursuits since the first exposure of a Pacific Free Trade Area proposal in the mid-1960s, provides an useful forum for assessing and implementing options for economic cooperation to enhance exchange of information about trading and industrial policies, to reduce uncertainty involved in international transactions, and to harmonise policies, regulations, and standards. However, there may be ligitimate doubts about the effectiveness and cohesion of APEC despite the eager and pervasive efforts towards the economic integration. This is because of the lack of leadership and because currently USA gives priority to her own economic interests rather than regional leadership. The paper predicts APEC to remain non-discriminatory, confidence-building, and open-ended, based on the strength of economic linkages in the regionalisation of global economy.