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[https://www.dhl.com/global-en/home/insights-and-innovation/insights/logistics-trend-radar.html] =>
[EU businesses remain bullish on ASEAN but are eager to see change] => 歐盟企業看好東南亞國協 並期待改變的到來
[European companies want to see accelerated trade talks and faster economic unification within ASEAN.] => 歐洲公司希望東南亞國協(ASEAN)會員國之間加速貿易談判,並加快經濟整合的腳步。調查顯示,大部分歐盟企業認為歐盟與東南亞國協的貿易集團,將帶來比雙邊協定更多的利益。配合新推出的東協海關過境系統,將促進東南亞地區的貿易,建立穩健的夥伴關係勢必為雙方帶來巨大的收益
[These protectionist measures were a knee-jerk reaction and have mostly been revoked, according to Dr. Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit, Assistant Professor at Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. She acknowledges, though, that uncertainties loom as some countries experience or face new waves of coronavirus.
“If the Covid-19 situation in the region worsens, there will be more pressure on governments, and they might be tempted to roll out more NTBs,” she said.
Trade deals could add new impetus
In addition to wanting ASEAN to do more, an overwhelming 98 percent of survey respondents would like the EU to speed up trade deal negotiations with ASEAN and its member countries.
The EU has so far only been negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) with individual members. It has signed deals with Singapore and Vietnam, and is now negotiating with Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Most European businesses (81 percent) believe an EU-ASEAN trade pact would bring in more benefits than bilateral deals. More than 70 percent believe the EU should go after a region-to-region deal before concluding bilateral agreements.
However, an EU-ASEAN deal is not likely anytime soon, according to EU representative to ASEAN Igor Driesmans.
Such a deal faces several challenges. “On the technical front, the negotiation will not likely to be very fast,” said Dr. Pitakdumrongkit. “It’s because unlike the EU, which has the European Commission, there’s no institutional body in ASEAN that negotiates for all members.”
Then there is the question of what framework the EU–ASEAN agreement would follow — either the EU-Vietnam FTA or EU-Singapore FTA — or if a new template is created from scratch.
Opportunities beyond a trade agreement
But there is more to trade between the two regions than an FTA.
The growing trend of multisourcing — working with a diverse pool of suppliers — is expected to accelerate EU trade and investment in ASEAN. According to DHL’s latest Logistics Trend Radar, the pandemic's tough operating environment has created more interest in multisourcing strategies to boost supply chain flexibility and resilience.
As businesses look to diversify supply chains outside China, Southeast Asia is often a natural choice because of its geographic proximity to China and rising manufacturing hubs led by Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia.] => 南洋理工大學拉惹勒南國際研究學院(S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies)助理教授Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit博士指出,這些保護措施就像膝反射,幾乎已經觸發所有反應。然而教授坦言,當部分國家經歷或面臨新一波疫情時,仍然籠罩著不確定性。
「如果東南亞地區新冠疫情惡化,政府將承受更多壓力,可能因此推動更多非關稅壁壘」,她說
貿易協定可能增添新動力
除了希望ASEAN做更多之外,絕大多數的受訪者(98%)希望,歐盟能加速與ASEAN及其會員國的貿易協定談判。
截至目前為止,歐盟只與個別會員國進行自由貿易協定(FTAs)談判,歐盟已和新加坡及越南簽署協定,目前正與印尼、泰國及菲律賓進行談判。
大部分歐盟企業(81%)相信,歐盟與東南亞國協的貿易集團,會比雙邊協定更有利。逾70%受訪者認為,歐盟在達成雙邊協議之前,應該先追求區域與區域的協定。
[caption id="attachment_9187" align="alignnone" width="1024"] {%CAPTION%}[/caption]
不過,歐盟駐ASEAN代表Igor Driesmans表示,歐盟與東南亞國協的協定不可能在短期內達成。
區域間協議面臨多項挑戰。「在技術方面,談判進度不可能非常快」,Pitakdumrongkit博士表示。「這是因為東南亞國協與設有歐盟執委會的歐盟不同,它沒有代表所有會員國進行談判的法定單位。」
再來是EU-ASEAN協議應該採用哪種架構:歐盟-越南自由貿易協定(EU-Vietnam FTA)或歐盟-新加坡自由貿易協定(EU-Singapore FTA);或是從無到有的新架構。
凌駕貿易協定之上的機會
但兩區域之間的貿易機會不只是自由貿易協定。
多方採購的趨勢正在成長 — 與不同供應商組成的團體合作 — 預期能加速歐盟企業在ASEAN的貿易與投資。根據DHL最新物流趨勢雷達(Logistics Trend Radar),疫情下艱難的營運環境,已經讓許多企業對多方採購策略更感興趣,進而促進彈性供應鏈與恢復力。
當企業尋求中國以外的多元化供應鏈之際,東南亞地區通常是自然而然的選擇,因為地理上鄰近中國,而且在越南、泰國及馬來西亞領軍下,逐漸發展成製造中心。
[The recent launch of the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) may also facilitate trade in the region. The digitalized system sets provisions navigating the customs procedures across all member states. Its pilot phase kicked off in early 2020, with the full rollout expected within the year.
“Free trade and open borders are essential to driving economic progress. An integrated, seamless customs framework like the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) will be able to harmonize the cross-border regulatory processes and standards imposed across different member economies,” noted Bruno Selmoni, Head of Road Freight & Multimodal, ASEAN & South Asia at DHL Global Forwarding.
Over time, the full implementation of ACTS will also lower costs, while enhancing efficiency and reliability for road freight movements in the region, explained Selmoni.
The initiative will complement the ASEAN system of trade facilitation consisting of, among others, the ASEAN Single Window.
The single window, also a digital platform, enables the exchange of trade, commercial, and transport data among ASEAN member countries, speeding up customs clearance and easing trade.
Under the right economic conditions, it is only a matter of time before both blocs yield results from a promising EU-ASEAN partnership.
] => 最近推出的東協海關過境系統(ASEAN Customs Transit System;ACTS)也可能促進東南亞地區的貿易。此數位化系統可瀏覽所有會員國的報關程序;系統在2020年初進入試行階段,預期於同一年度全面實施。
「自由貿易與開放邊境是促進經濟進步的關鍵。類似東協海關過境系統(ACTS)的整合與無縫式通關架構,能協調不同會員國之間的跨國管理流程與標準。」,DHL全球承攬事業部東南亞國協與南亞地區陸運與多元模型負責人Bruno Selmoni表示。Selmoni解釋,隨著時間經過,ACTS的全面實施也能降低成本,並且提高區域內公路運輸移動的效率與增加可靠性。
東協海關過境系統將補充ASEAN貿易促進系統—東協單一窗口(ASEAN Single Window)的不足。
東協單一窗口也是數位平台,能促進ASEAN會員國之間貿易、商業及運輸資料的交換,加速通關及放寬貿易限制。在適當經濟環境助長下,EU-ASEAN夥伴關係的開花結果指日可期。
[The European Union’s (EU) interest in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region has long been central to the 28-country trading bloc’s engagement in Asia.
After establishing a mission to ASEAN in Jakarta, the EU has sought to become a strategic partner to the grouping. It is particularly keen to see ASEAN economies integrate.
Trade is at the core of this interest. Over the past 10 years, the EU has more than doubled its two-way trade with ASEAN nations to €211 billion in 2019. Although it has focused on advancing bilateral relations with various member countries, its ultimate goal is to strike a free trade deal with the entire bloc.
For European businesses in ASEAN, the region is highly attractive. But many are growing weary of what they see as stagnation in the effort to combine ASEAN economies into a single market. They want closer engagement with the region and progress on free trade talks after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Changing business sentiments
According to the EU-ASEAN Business Council’s 2020 Business Sentiment Survey, 53 percent of European businesses believe the ASEAN region offers the best economic opportunity for the next five years. About 73 percent expect to increase their trade and investment activity in the region over this period.
While these numbers still show confidence in the region, they are down from 2019, when 63 percent of respondents saw ASEAN as the region with the best opportunity, and 84 percent expected to increase trade and investment.
Notably, nearly half of the respondents are considering reorganizing their supply chains, and sourcing goods and services elsewhere due to Covid-19. Although ASEAN was the leading destination, many respondents also chose Europe and China.
The declining interest has mainly been attributed to the slow progress of ASEAN integration and trade deal talks between the EU and ASEAN. Only 2 percent of survey respondents think ASEAN’s economic unification is moving quickly enough, down from 6 percent last year.
“The message from the survey is clear: ASEAN economic integration appears to be at a standstill. ASEAN and its constituents need to pick up the pace to meet the AEC [ASEAN Economic Community] Blueprint 2025 goals,” said Chris Humphrey, Executive Director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council.
However, there are doubts the grouping can meet its target, especially with non-tariff barriers (NTBs) rising in recent years. For example, during the first wave of Covid-19, some countries rushed to ban exports of certain medical and food products.] =>
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[Logistics Trend Radar - 5th Edition] =>
[Explore 29 key trends and innovations that can help you navigate the transformative change in the logistics industry.] =>
[Read more] =>
[AEC Blueprint 2025] => 2025年東協經濟共同體(AEC)願景
[ASEAN established the AEC in 2015 to allow the free flow of goods, services, labor, capital, and investment within the region. The AEC Blueprint 2025 is the roadmap for creating a single economy for members by 2025.] => 東南亞國協(ASEAN)於 2015 年成立了東協經濟共同體(AEC),以允許該地區內的商品、服務、勞動力、資本和投資自由流動。 2025年東協經濟共同體(AEC)願景為AEC經濟體成員所做的2025年前規劃。
[European companies want to see accelerated trade talks and faster economic unification within ASEAN. The European Union’s (EU) interest in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region has long been central to the 28-country trading bloc’s engagement in Asia.
After establishing a mission to ASEAN in Jakarta, the EU has sought to become a strategic partner to the grouping. It is particularly keen to see ASEAN economies integrate.
Trade is at the core of this interest. Over the past 10 years, the EU has more than doubled its two-way trade with ASEAN nations to €211 billion in 2019. Although it has focused on advancing bilateral relations with various member countries, its ultimate goal is to strike a free trade deal with the entire bloc.
For European businesses in ASEAN, the region is highly attractive. But many are growing weary of what they see as stagnation in the effort to combine ASEAN economies into a single market. They want closer engagement with the region and progress on free trade talks after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Changing business sentiments
According to the EU-ASEAN Business Council’s 2020 Business Sentiment Survey, 53 percent of European businesses believe the ASEAN region offers the best economic opportunity for the next five years. About 73 percent expect to increase their trade and investment activity in the region over this period.
Workers producing latex in a factory in Thailand
While these numbers still show confidence in the region, they are down from 2019, when 63 percent of respondents saw ASEAN as the region with the best opportunity, and 84 percent expected to increase trade and investment.
Notably, nearly half of the respondents are considering reorganizing their supply chains, and sourcing goods and services elsewhere due to Covid-19. Although ASEAN was the leading destination, many respondents also chose Europe and China.
The declining interest has mainly been attributed to the slow progress of ASEAN integration and trade deal talks between the EU and ASEAN. Only 2 percent of survey respondents think ASEAN’s economic unification is moving quickly enough, down from 6 percent last year.
“The message from the survey is clear: ASEAN economic integration appears to be at a standstill. ASEAN and its constituents need to pick up the pace to meet the AEC [ASEAN Economic Community] Blueprint 2025 goals,” said Chris Humphrey, Executive Director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council.
However, there are doubts the grouping can meet its target, especially with non-tariff barriers (NTBs) rising in recent years. For example, during the first wave of Covid-19, some countries rushed to ban exports of certain medical and food products.
AEC Blueprint 2025ASEAN established the AEC in 2015 to allow the free flow of goods, services, labor, capital, and investment within the region. The AEC Blueprint 2025 is the roadmap for creating a single economy for members by 2025.
These protectionist measures were a knee-jerk reaction and have mostly been revoked, according to Dr. Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit, Assistant Professor at Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. She acknowledges, though, that uncertainties loom as some countries experience or face new waves of coronavirus.
“If the Covid-19 situation in the region worsens, there will be more pressure on governments, and they might be tempted to roll out more NTBs,” she said.
Trade deals could add new impetus
In addition to wanting ASEAN to do more, an overwhelming 98 percent of survey respondents would like the EU to speed up trade deal negotiations with ASEAN and its member countries.
The EU has so far only been negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) with individual members. It has signed deals with Singapore and Vietnam, and is now negotiating with Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Most European businesses (81 percent) believe an EU-ASEAN trade pact would bring in more benefits than bilateral deals. More than 70 percent believe the EU should go after a region-to-region deal before concluding bilateral agreements.
Cambodian workers producing clothes in a garment factory
However, an EU-ASEAN deal is not likely anytime soon, according to EU representative to ASEAN Igor Driesmans.
Such a deal faces several challenges. “On the technical front, the negotiation will not likely to be very fast,” said Dr. Pitakdumrongkit. “It’s because unlike the EU, which has the European Commission, there’s no institutional body in ASEAN that negotiates for all members.”
Then there is the question of what framework the EU–ASEAN agreement would follow — either the EU-Vietnam FTA or EU-Singapore FTA — or if a new template is created from scratch.
Opportunities beyond a trade agreement
But there is more to trade between the two regions than an FTA.
The growing trend of multisourcing — working with a diverse pool of suppliers — is expected to accelerate EU trade and investment in ASEAN. According to DHL’s latest Logistics Trend Radar, the pandemic’s tough operating environment has created more interest in multisourcing strategies to boost supply chain flexibility and resilience.
As businesses look to diversify supply chains outside China, Southeast Asia is often a natural choice because of its geographic proximity to China and rising manufacturing hubs led by Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia.
RELATED ARTICLESLogistics Trend Radar - 5th EditionExplore 29 key trends and innovations that can help you navigate the transformative change in the logistics industry.The recent launch of the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) may also facilitate trade in the region. The digitalized system sets provisions navigating the customs procedures across all member states. Its pilot phase kicked off in early 2020, with the full rollout expected within the year.
“Free trade and open borders are essential to driving economic progress. An integrated, seamless customs framework like the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) will be able to harmonize the cross-border regulatory processes and standards imposed across different member economies,” noted Bruno Selmoni, Head of Road Freight & Multimodal, ASEAN & South Asia at DHL Global Forwarding.
Over time, the full implementation of ACTS will also lower costs, while enhancing efficiency and reliability for road freight movements in the region, explained Selmoni.
The initiative will complement the ASEAN system of trade facilitation consisting of, among others, the ASEAN Single Window.
The single window, also a digital platform, enables the exchange of trade, commercial, and transport data among ASEAN member countries, speeding up customs clearance and easing trade.
Under the right economic conditions, it is only a matter of time before both blocs yield results from a promising EU-ASEAN partnership.
] =>
南洋理工大學拉惹勒南國際研究學院(S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies)助理教授Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit博士指出,這些保護措施就像膝反射,幾乎已經觸發所有反應。然而教授坦言,當部分國家經歷或面臨新一波疫情時,仍然籠罩著不確定性。
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[EU-ASEAN Business Sentiments] =>
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[Cambodian workers producing clothes in a garment factory] => Cambodian workers producing clothes in a garment factory
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[Workers producing latex in a factory in Thailand] => Workers producing latex in a factory in Thailand
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[$value] => The European Union’s (EU) interest in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region has long been central to the 28-country trading bloc’s engagement in Asia.
After establishing a mission to ASEAN in Jakarta, the EU has sought to become a strategic partner to the grouping. It is particularly keen to see ASEAN economies integrate.
Trade is at the core of this interest. Over the past 10 years, the EU has more than doubled its two-way trade with ASEAN nations to €211 billion in 2019. Although it has focused on advancing bilateral relations with various member countries, its ultimate goal is to strike a free trade deal with the entire bloc.
For European businesses in ASEAN, the region is highly attractive. But many are growing weary of what they see as stagnation in the effort to combine ASEAN economies into a single market. They want closer engagement with the region and progress on free trade talks after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Changing business sentiments
According to the EU-ASEAN Business Council’s 2020 Business Sentiment Survey, 53 percent of European businesses believe the ASEAN region offers the best economic opportunity for the next five years. About 73 percent expect to increase their trade and investment activity in the region over this period.
[caption id="attachment_9185" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Workers producing latex in a factory in Thailand[/caption]
While these numbers still show confidence in the region, they are down from 2019, when 63 percent of respondents saw ASEAN as the region with the best opportunity, and 84 percent expected to increase trade and investment.
Notably, nearly half of the respondents are considering reorganizing their supply chains, and sourcing goods and services elsewhere due to Covid-19. Although ASEAN was the leading destination, many respondents also chose Europe and China.
The declining interest has mainly been attributed to the slow progress of ASEAN integration and trade deal talks between the EU and ASEAN. Only 2 percent of survey respondents think ASEAN’s economic unification is moving quickly enough, down from 6 percent last year.
“The message from the survey is clear: ASEAN economic integration appears to be at a standstill. ASEAN and its constituents need to pick up the pace to meet the AEC [ASEAN Economic Community] Blueprint 2025 goals,” said Chris Humphrey, Executive Director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council.
However, there are doubts the grouping can meet its target, especially with non-tariff barriers (NTBs) rising in recent years. For example, during the first wave of Covid-19, some countries rushed to ban exports of certain medical and food products.
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Array
(
[derick] => Array
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[https://www.dhl.com/global-en/home/insights-and-innovation/insights/logistics-trend-radar.html] =>
[EU businesses remain bullish on ASEAN but are eager to see change] => 歐盟企業看好東南亞國協 並期待改變的到來
[European companies want to see accelerated trade talks and faster economic unification within ASEAN.] => 歐洲公司希望東南亞國協(ASEAN)會員國之間加速貿易談判,並加快經濟整合的腳步。調查顯示,大部分歐盟企業認為歐盟與東南亞國協的貿易集團,將帶來比雙邊協定更多的利益。配合新推出的東協海關過境系統,將促進東南亞地區的貿易,建立穩健的夥伴關係勢必為雙方帶來巨大的收益
[These protectionist measures were a knee-jerk reaction and have mostly been revoked, according to Dr. Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit, Assistant Professor at Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. She acknowledges, though, that uncertainties loom as some countries experience or face new waves of coronavirus.
“If the Covid-19 situation in the region worsens, there will be more pressure on governments, and they might be tempted to roll out more NTBs,” she said.
Trade deals could add new impetus
In addition to wanting ASEAN to do more, an overwhelming 98 percent of survey respondents would like the EU to speed up trade deal negotiations with ASEAN and its member countries.
The EU has so far only been negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) with individual members. It has signed deals with Singapore and Vietnam, and is now negotiating with Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Most European businesses (81 percent) believe an EU-ASEAN trade pact would bring in more benefits than bilateral deals. More than 70 percent believe the EU should go after a region-to-region deal before concluding bilateral agreements.
However, an EU-ASEAN deal is not likely anytime soon, according to EU representative to ASEAN Igor Driesmans.
Such a deal faces several challenges. “On the technical front, the negotiation will not likely to be very fast,” said Dr. Pitakdumrongkit. “It’s because unlike the EU, which has the European Commission, there’s no institutional body in ASEAN that negotiates for all members.”
Then there is the question of what framework the EU–ASEAN agreement would follow — either the EU-Vietnam FTA or EU-Singapore FTA — or if a new template is created from scratch.
Opportunities beyond a trade agreement
But there is more to trade between the two regions than an FTA.
The growing trend of multisourcing — working with a diverse pool of suppliers — is expected to accelerate EU trade and investment in ASEAN. According to DHL’s latest Logistics Trend Radar, the pandemic's tough operating environment has created more interest in multisourcing strategies to boost supply chain flexibility and resilience.
As businesses look to diversify supply chains outside China, Southeast Asia is often a natural choice because of its geographic proximity to China and rising manufacturing hubs led by Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia.] => 南洋理工大學拉惹勒南國際研究學院(S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies)助理教授Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit博士指出,這些保護措施就像膝反射,幾乎已經觸發所有反應。然而教授坦言,當部分國家經歷或面臨新一波疫情時,仍然籠罩著不確定性。
「如果東南亞地區新冠疫情惡化,政府將承受更多壓力,可能因此推動更多非關稅壁壘」,她說
貿易協定可能增添新動力
除了希望ASEAN做更多之外,絕大多數的受訪者(98%)希望,歐盟能加速與ASEAN及其會員國的貿易協定談判。
截至目前為止,歐盟只與個別會員國進行自由貿易協定(FTAs)談判,歐盟已和新加坡及越南簽署協定,目前正與印尼、泰國及菲律賓進行談判。
大部分歐盟企業(81%)相信,歐盟與東南亞國協的貿易集團,會比雙邊協定更有利。逾70%受訪者認為,歐盟在達成雙邊協議之前,應該先追求區域與區域的協定。
[caption id="attachment_9187" align="alignnone" width="1024"] {%CAPTION%}[/caption]
不過,歐盟駐ASEAN代表Igor Driesmans表示,歐盟與東南亞國協的協定不可能在短期內達成。
區域間協議面臨多項挑戰。「在技術方面,談判進度不可能非常快」,Pitakdumrongkit博士表示。「這是因為東南亞國協與設有歐盟執委會的歐盟不同,它沒有代表所有會員國進行談判的法定單位。」
再來是EU-ASEAN協議應該採用哪種架構:歐盟-越南自由貿易協定(EU-Vietnam FTA)或歐盟-新加坡自由貿易協定(EU-Singapore FTA);或是從無到有的新架構。
凌駕貿易協定之上的機會
但兩區域之間的貿易機會不只是自由貿易協定。
多方採購的趨勢正在成長 — 與不同供應商組成的團體合作 — 預期能加速歐盟企業在ASEAN的貿易與投資。根據DHL最新物流趨勢雷達(Logistics Trend Radar),疫情下艱難的營運環境,已經讓許多企業對多方採購策略更感興趣,進而促進彈性供應鏈與恢復力。
當企業尋求中國以外的多元化供應鏈之際,東南亞地區通常是自然而然的選擇,因為地理上鄰近中國,而且在越南、泰國及馬來西亞領軍下,逐漸發展成製造中心。
[The recent launch of the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) may also facilitate trade in the region. The digitalized system sets provisions navigating the customs procedures across all member states. Its pilot phase kicked off in early 2020, with the full rollout expected within the year.
“Free trade and open borders are essential to driving economic progress. An integrated, seamless customs framework like the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) will be able to harmonize the cross-border regulatory processes and standards imposed across different member economies,” noted Bruno Selmoni, Head of Road Freight & Multimodal, ASEAN & South Asia at DHL Global Forwarding.
Over time, the full implementation of ACTS will also lower costs, while enhancing efficiency and reliability for road freight movements in the region, explained Selmoni.
The initiative will complement the ASEAN system of trade facilitation consisting of, among others, the ASEAN Single Window.
The single window, also a digital platform, enables the exchange of trade, commercial, and transport data among ASEAN member countries, speeding up customs clearance and easing trade.
Under the right economic conditions, it is only a matter of time before both blocs yield results from a promising EU-ASEAN partnership.
] => 最近推出的東協海關過境系統(ASEAN Customs Transit System;ACTS)也可能促進東南亞地區的貿易。此數位化系統可瀏覽所有會員國的報關程序;系統在2020年初進入試行階段,預期於同一年度全面實施。
「自由貿易與開放邊境是促進經濟進步的關鍵。類似東協海關過境系統(ACTS)的整合與無縫式通關架構,能協調不同會員國之間的跨國管理流程與標準。」,DHL全球承攬事業部東南亞國協與南亞地區陸運與多元模型負責人Bruno Selmoni表示。Selmoni解釋,隨著時間經過,ACTS的全面實施也能降低成本,並且提高區域內公路運輸移動的效率與增加可靠性。
東協海關過境系統將補充ASEAN貿易促進系統—東協單一窗口(ASEAN Single Window)的不足。
東協單一窗口也是數位平台,能促進ASEAN會員國之間貿易、商業及運輸資料的交換,加速通關及放寬貿易限制。在適當經濟環境助長下,EU-ASEAN夥伴關係的開花結果指日可期。
[The European Union’s (EU) interest in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region has long been central to the 28-country trading bloc’s engagement in Asia.
After establishing a mission to ASEAN in Jakarta, the EU has sought to become a strategic partner to the grouping. It is particularly keen to see ASEAN economies integrate.
Trade is at the core of this interest. Over the past 10 years, the EU has more than doubled its two-way trade with ASEAN nations to €211 billion in 2019. Although it has focused on advancing bilateral relations with various member countries, its ultimate goal is to strike a free trade deal with the entire bloc.
For European businesses in ASEAN, the region is highly attractive. But many are growing weary of what they see as stagnation in the effort to combine ASEAN economies into a single market. They want closer engagement with the region and progress on free trade talks after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Changing business sentiments
According to the EU-ASEAN Business Council’s 2020 Business Sentiment Survey, 53 percent of European businesses believe the ASEAN region offers the best economic opportunity for the next five years. About 73 percent expect to increase their trade and investment activity in the region over this period.
While these numbers still show confidence in the region, they are down from 2019, when 63 percent of respondents saw ASEAN as the region with the best opportunity, and 84 percent expected to increase trade and investment.
Notably, nearly half of the respondents are considering reorganizing their supply chains, and sourcing goods and services elsewhere due to Covid-19. Although ASEAN was the leading destination, many respondents also chose Europe and China.
The declining interest has mainly been attributed to the slow progress of ASEAN integration and trade deal talks between the EU and ASEAN. Only 2 percent of survey respondents think ASEAN’s economic unification is moving quickly enough, down from 6 percent last year.
“The message from the survey is clear: ASEAN economic integration appears to be at a standstill. ASEAN and its constituents need to pick up the pace to meet the AEC [ASEAN Economic Community] Blueprint 2025 goals,” said Chris Humphrey, Executive Director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council.
However, there are doubts the grouping can meet its target, especially with non-tariff barriers (NTBs) rising in recent years. For example, during the first wave of Covid-19, some countries rushed to ban exports of certain medical and food products.] =>
[wysiwyg] => wysiwyg
[callout_box] => callout_box
[outbound_box] => outbound_box
[Logistics Trend Radar - 5th Edition] =>
[Explore 29 key trends and innovations that can help you navigate the transformative change in the logistics industry.] =>
[Read more] =>
[AEC Blueprint 2025] => 2025年東協經濟共同體(AEC)願景
[ASEAN established the AEC in 2015 to allow the free flow of goods, services, labor, capital, and investment within the region. The AEC Blueprint 2025 is the roadmap for creating a single economy for members by 2025.] => 東南亞國協(ASEAN)於 2015 年成立了東協經濟共同體(AEC),以允許該地區內的商品、服務、勞動力、資本和投資自由流動。 2025年東協經濟共同體(AEC)願景為AEC經濟體成員所做的2025年前規劃。
[European companies want to see accelerated trade talks and faster economic unification within ASEAN. The European Union’s (EU) interest in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region has long been central to the 28-country trading bloc’s engagement in Asia.
After establishing a mission to ASEAN in Jakarta, the EU has sought to become a strategic partner to the grouping. It is particularly keen to see ASEAN economies integrate.
Trade is at the core of this interest. Over the past 10 years, the EU has more than doubled its two-way trade with ASEAN nations to €211 billion in 2019. Although it has focused on advancing bilateral relations with various member countries, its ultimate goal is to strike a free trade deal with the entire bloc.
For European businesses in ASEAN, the region is highly attractive. But many are growing weary of what they see as stagnation in the effort to combine ASEAN economies into a single market. They want closer engagement with the region and progress on free trade talks after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Changing business sentiments
According to the EU-ASEAN Business Council’s 2020 Business Sentiment Survey, 53 percent of European businesses believe the ASEAN region offers the best economic opportunity for the next five years. About 73 percent expect to increase their trade and investment activity in the region over this period.
Workers producing latex in a factory in Thailand
While these numbers still show confidence in the region, they are down from 2019, when 63 percent of respondents saw ASEAN as the region with the best opportunity, and 84 percent expected to increase trade and investment.
Notably, nearly half of the respondents are considering reorganizing their supply chains, and sourcing goods and services elsewhere due to Covid-19. Although ASEAN was the leading destination, many respondents also chose Europe and China.
The declining interest has mainly been attributed to the slow progress of ASEAN integration and trade deal talks between the EU and ASEAN. Only 2 percent of survey respondents think ASEAN’s economic unification is moving quickly enough, down from 6 percent last year.
“The message from the survey is clear: ASEAN economic integration appears to be at a standstill. ASEAN and its constituents need to pick up the pace to meet the AEC [ASEAN Economic Community] Blueprint 2025 goals,” said Chris Humphrey, Executive Director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council.
However, there are doubts the grouping can meet its target, especially with non-tariff barriers (NTBs) rising in recent years. For example, during the first wave of Covid-19, some countries rushed to ban exports of certain medical and food products.
AEC Blueprint 2025ASEAN established the AEC in 2015 to allow the free flow of goods, services, labor, capital, and investment within the region. The AEC Blueprint 2025 is the roadmap for creating a single economy for members by 2025.
These protectionist measures were a knee-jerk reaction and have mostly been revoked, according to Dr. Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit, Assistant Professor at Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. She acknowledges, though, that uncertainties loom as some countries experience or face new waves of coronavirus.
“If the Covid-19 situation in the region worsens, there will be more pressure on governments, and they might be tempted to roll out more NTBs,” she said.
Trade deals could add new impetus
In addition to wanting ASEAN to do more, an overwhelming 98 percent of survey respondents would like the EU to speed up trade deal negotiations with ASEAN and its member countries.
The EU has so far only been negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) with individual members. It has signed deals with Singapore and Vietnam, and is now negotiating with Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Most European businesses (81 percent) believe an EU-ASEAN trade pact would bring in more benefits than bilateral deals. More than 70 percent believe the EU should go after a region-to-region deal before concluding bilateral agreements.
Cambodian workers producing clothes in a garment factory
However, an EU-ASEAN deal is not likely anytime soon, according to EU representative to ASEAN Igor Driesmans.
Such a deal faces several challenges. “On the technical front, the negotiation will not likely to be very fast,” said Dr. Pitakdumrongkit. “It’s because unlike the EU, which has the European Commission, there’s no institutional body in ASEAN that negotiates for all members.”
Then there is the question of what framework the EU–ASEAN agreement would follow — either the EU-Vietnam FTA or EU-Singapore FTA — or if a new template is created from scratch.
Opportunities beyond a trade agreement
But there is more to trade between the two regions than an FTA.
The growing trend of multisourcing — working with a diverse pool of suppliers — is expected to accelerate EU trade and investment in ASEAN. According to DHL’s latest Logistics Trend Radar, the pandemic’s tough operating environment has created more interest in multisourcing strategies to boost supply chain flexibility and resilience.
As businesses look to diversify supply chains outside China, Southeast Asia is often a natural choice because of its geographic proximity to China and rising manufacturing hubs led by Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia.
RELATED ARTICLESLogistics Trend Radar - 5th EditionExplore 29 key trends and innovations that can help you navigate the transformative change in the logistics industry.The recent launch of the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) may also facilitate trade in the region. The digitalized system sets provisions navigating the customs procedures across all member states. Its pilot phase kicked off in early 2020, with the full rollout expected within the year.
“Free trade and open borders are essential to driving economic progress. An integrated, seamless customs framework like the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) will be able to harmonize the cross-border regulatory processes and standards imposed across different member economies,” noted Bruno Selmoni, Head of Road Freight & Multimodal, ASEAN & South Asia at DHL Global Forwarding.
Over time, the full implementation of ACTS will also lower costs, while enhancing efficiency and reliability for road freight movements in the region, explained Selmoni.
The initiative will complement the ASEAN system of trade facilitation consisting of, among others, the ASEAN Single Window.
The single window, also a digital platform, enables the exchange of trade, commercial, and transport data among ASEAN member countries, speeding up customs clearance and easing trade.
Under the right economic conditions, it is only a matter of time before both blocs yield results from a promising EU-ASEAN partnership.
] =>
南洋理工大學拉惹勒南國際研究學院(S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies)助理教授Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit博士指出,這些保護措施就像膝反射,幾乎已經觸發所有反應。然而教授坦言,當部分國家經歷或面臨新一波疫情時,仍然籠罩著不確定性。
[] =>
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[Logistics Trend Radar_square thumbnail] => Logistics Trend Radar_square thumbnail
[Eu-Asean-Business] =>
[EU-ASEAN Business Sentiments] =>
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[Cambodian workers producing clothes in a garment factory] => Cambodian workers producing clothes in a garment factory
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[Workers producing latex in a factory in Thailand] => Workers producing latex in a factory in Thailand
[Single Column Image_1457037233] => Single Column Image_1457037233
[Article Key Image_1457037233] => Article Key Image_1457037233
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[$value] => These protectionist measures were a knee-jerk reaction and have mostly been revoked, according to Dr. Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit, Assistant Professor at Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. She acknowledges, though, that uncertainties loom as some countries experience or face new waves of coronavirus.
“If the Covid-19 situation in the region worsens, there will be more pressure on governments, and they might be tempted to roll out more NTBs,” she said.
Trade deals could add new impetus
In addition to wanting ASEAN to do more, an overwhelming 98 percent of survey respondents would like the EU to speed up trade deal negotiations with ASEAN and its member countries.
The EU has so far only been negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) with individual members. It has signed deals with Singapore and Vietnam, and is now negotiating with Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Most European businesses (81 percent) believe an EU-ASEAN trade pact would bring in more benefits than bilateral deals. More than 70 percent believe the EU should go after a region-to-region deal before concluding bilateral agreements.
[caption id="attachment_9187" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Cambodian workers producing clothes in a garment factory[/caption]
However, an EU-ASEAN deal is not likely anytime soon, according to EU representative to ASEAN Igor Driesmans.
Such a deal faces several challenges. “On the technical front, the negotiation will not likely to be very fast,” said Dr. Pitakdumrongkit. “It’s because unlike the EU, which has the European Commission, there’s no institutional body in ASEAN that negotiates for all members.”
Then there is the question of what framework the EU–ASEAN agreement would follow — either the EU-Vietnam FTA or EU-Singapore FTA — or if a new template is created from scratch.
Opportunities beyond a trade agreement
But there is more to trade between the two regions than an FTA.
The growing trend of multisourcing — working with a diverse pool of suppliers — is expected to accelerate EU trade and investment in ASEAN. According to DHL’s latest Logistics Trend Radar, the pandemic's tough operating environment has created more interest in multisourcing strategies to boost supply chain flexibility and resilience.
As businesses look to diversify supply chains outside China, Southeast Asia is often a natural choice because of its geographic proximity to China and rising manufacturing hubs led by Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia.
)
南洋理工大學拉惹勒南國際研究學院(S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies)助理教授Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit博士指出,這些保護措施就像膝反射,幾乎已經觸發所有反應。然而教授坦言,當部分國家經歷或面臨新一波疫情時,仍然籠罩著不確定性。
Array
(
[derick] => Array
(
[[]] =>
[https://www.dhl.com/global-en/home/insights-and-innovation/insights/logistics-trend-radar.html] =>
[EU businesses remain bullish on ASEAN but are eager to see change] => 歐盟企業看好東南亞國協 並期待改變的到來
[European companies want to see accelerated trade talks and faster economic unification within ASEAN.] => 歐洲公司希望東南亞國協(ASEAN)會員國之間加速貿易談判,並加快經濟整合的腳步。調查顯示,大部分歐盟企業認為歐盟與東南亞國協的貿易集團,將帶來比雙邊協定更多的利益。配合新推出的東協海關過境系統,將促進東南亞地區的貿易,建立穩健的夥伴關係勢必為雙方帶來巨大的收益
[These protectionist measures were a knee-jerk reaction and have mostly been revoked, according to Dr. Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit, Assistant Professor at Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. She acknowledges, though, that uncertainties loom as some countries experience or face new waves of coronavirus.
“If the Covid-19 situation in the region worsens, there will be more pressure on governments, and they might be tempted to roll out more NTBs,” she said.
Trade deals could add new impetus
In addition to wanting ASEAN to do more, an overwhelming 98 percent of survey respondents would like the EU to speed up trade deal negotiations with ASEAN and its member countries.
The EU has so far only been negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) with individual members. It has signed deals with Singapore and Vietnam, and is now negotiating with Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Most European businesses (81 percent) believe an EU-ASEAN trade pact would bring in more benefits than bilateral deals. More than 70 percent believe the EU should go after a region-to-region deal before concluding bilateral agreements.
However, an EU-ASEAN deal is not likely anytime soon, according to EU representative to ASEAN Igor Driesmans.
Such a deal faces several challenges. “On the technical front, the negotiation will not likely to be very fast,” said Dr. Pitakdumrongkit. “It’s because unlike the EU, which has the European Commission, there’s no institutional body in ASEAN that negotiates for all members.”
Then there is the question of what framework the EU–ASEAN agreement would follow — either the EU-Vietnam FTA or EU-Singapore FTA — or if a new template is created from scratch.
Opportunities beyond a trade agreement
But there is more to trade between the two regions than an FTA.
The growing trend of multisourcing — working with a diverse pool of suppliers — is expected to accelerate EU trade and investment in ASEAN. According to DHL’s latest Logistics Trend Radar, the pandemic's tough operating environment has created more interest in multisourcing strategies to boost supply chain flexibility and resilience.
As businesses look to diversify supply chains outside China, Southeast Asia is often a natural choice because of its geographic proximity to China and rising manufacturing hubs led by Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia.] => 南洋理工大學拉惹勒南國際研究學院(S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies)助理教授Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit博士指出,這些保護措施就像膝反射,幾乎已經觸發所有反應。然而教授坦言,當部分國家經歷或面臨新一波疫情時,仍然籠罩著不確定性。
「如果東南亞地區新冠疫情惡化,政府將承受更多壓力,可能因此推動更多非關稅壁壘」,她說
貿易協定可能增添新動力
除了希望ASEAN做更多之外,絕大多數的受訪者(98%)希望,歐盟能加速與ASEAN及其會員國的貿易協定談判。
截至目前為止,歐盟只與個別會員國進行自由貿易協定(FTAs)談判,歐盟已和新加坡及越南簽署協定,目前正與印尼、泰國及菲律賓進行談判。
大部分歐盟企業(81%)相信,歐盟與東南亞國協的貿易集團,會比雙邊協定更有利。逾70%受訪者認為,歐盟在達成雙邊協議之前,應該先追求區域與區域的協定。
[caption id="attachment_9187" align="alignnone" width="1024"] {%CAPTION%}[/caption]
不過,歐盟駐ASEAN代表Igor Driesmans表示,歐盟與東南亞國協的協定不可能在短期內達成。
區域間協議面臨多項挑戰。「在技術方面,談判進度不可能非常快」,Pitakdumrongkit博士表示。「這是因為東南亞國協與設有歐盟執委會的歐盟不同,它沒有代表所有會員國進行談判的法定單位。」
再來是EU-ASEAN協議應該採用哪種架構:歐盟-越南自由貿易協定(EU-Vietnam FTA)或歐盟-新加坡自由貿易協定(EU-Singapore FTA);或是從無到有的新架構。
凌駕貿易協定之上的機會
但兩區域之間的貿易機會不只是自由貿易協定。
多方採購的趨勢正在成長 — 與不同供應商組成的團體合作 — 預期能加速歐盟企業在ASEAN的貿易與投資。根據DHL最新物流趨勢雷達(Logistics Trend Radar),疫情下艱難的營運環境,已經讓許多企業對多方採購策略更感興趣,進而促進彈性供應鏈與恢復力。
當企業尋求中國以外的多元化供應鏈之際,東南亞地區通常是自然而然的選擇,因為地理上鄰近中國,而且在越南、泰國及馬來西亞領軍下,逐漸發展成製造中心。
[The recent launch of the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) may also facilitate trade in the region. The digitalized system sets provisions navigating the customs procedures across all member states. Its pilot phase kicked off in early 2020, with the full rollout expected within the year.
“Free trade and open borders are essential to driving economic progress. An integrated, seamless customs framework like the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) will be able to harmonize the cross-border regulatory processes and standards imposed across different member economies,” noted Bruno Selmoni, Head of Road Freight & Multimodal, ASEAN & South Asia at DHL Global Forwarding.
Over time, the full implementation of ACTS will also lower costs, while enhancing efficiency and reliability for road freight movements in the region, explained Selmoni.
The initiative will complement the ASEAN system of trade facilitation consisting of, among others, the ASEAN Single Window.
The single window, also a digital platform, enables the exchange of trade, commercial, and transport data among ASEAN member countries, speeding up customs clearance and easing trade.
Under the right economic conditions, it is only a matter of time before both blocs yield results from a promising EU-ASEAN partnership.
] => 最近推出的東協海關過境系統(ASEAN Customs Transit System;ACTS)也可能促進東南亞地區的貿易。此數位化系統可瀏覽所有會員國的報關程序;系統在2020年初進入試行階段,預期於同一年度全面實施。
「自由貿易與開放邊境是促進經濟進步的關鍵。類似東協海關過境系統(ACTS)的整合與無縫式通關架構,能協調不同會員國之間的跨國管理流程與標準。」,DHL全球承攬事業部東南亞國協與南亞地區陸運與多元模型負責人Bruno Selmoni表示。Selmoni解釋,隨著時間經過,ACTS的全面實施也能降低成本,並且提高區域內公路運輸移動的效率與增加可靠性。
東協海關過境系統將補充ASEAN貿易促進系統—東協單一窗口(ASEAN Single Window)的不足。
東協單一窗口也是數位平台,能促進ASEAN會員國之間貿易、商業及運輸資料的交換,加速通關及放寬貿易限制。在適當經濟環境助長下,EU-ASEAN夥伴關係的開花結果指日可期。
[The European Union’s (EU) interest in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region has long been central to the 28-country trading bloc’s engagement in Asia.
After establishing a mission to ASEAN in Jakarta, the EU has sought to become a strategic partner to the grouping. It is particularly keen to see ASEAN economies integrate.
Trade is at the core of this interest. Over the past 10 years, the EU has more than doubled its two-way trade with ASEAN nations to €211 billion in 2019. Although it has focused on advancing bilateral relations with various member countries, its ultimate goal is to strike a free trade deal with the entire bloc.
For European businesses in ASEAN, the region is highly attractive. But many are growing weary of what they see as stagnation in the effort to combine ASEAN economies into a single market. They want closer engagement with the region and progress on free trade talks after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Changing business sentiments
According to the EU-ASEAN Business Council’s 2020 Business Sentiment Survey, 53 percent of European businesses believe the ASEAN region offers the best economic opportunity for the next five years. About 73 percent expect to increase their trade and investment activity in the region over this period.
While these numbers still show confidence in the region, they are down from 2019, when 63 percent of respondents saw ASEAN as the region with the best opportunity, and 84 percent expected to increase trade and investment.
Notably, nearly half of the respondents are considering reorganizing their supply chains, and sourcing goods and services elsewhere due to Covid-19. Although ASEAN was the leading destination, many respondents also chose Europe and China.
The declining interest has mainly been attributed to the slow progress of ASEAN integration and trade deal talks between the EU and ASEAN. Only 2 percent of survey respondents think ASEAN’s economic unification is moving quickly enough, down from 6 percent last year.
“The message from the survey is clear: ASEAN economic integration appears to be at a standstill. ASEAN and its constituents need to pick up the pace to meet the AEC [ASEAN Economic Community] Blueprint 2025 goals,” said Chris Humphrey, Executive Director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council.
However, there are doubts the grouping can meet its target, especially with non-tariff barriers (NTBs) rising in recent years. For example, during the first wave of Covid-19, some countries rushed to ban exports of certain medical and food products.] =>
[wysiwyg] => wysiwyg
[callout_box] => callout_box
[outbound_box] => outbound_box
[Logistics Trend Radar - 5th Edition] =>
[Explore 29 key trends and innovations that can help you navigate the transformative change in the logistics industry.] =>
[Read more] =>
[AEC Blueprint 2025] => 2025年東協經濟共同體(AEC)願景
[ASEAN established the AEC in 2015 to allow the free flow of goods, services, labor, capital, and investment within the region. The AEC Blueprint 2025 is the roadmap for creating a single economy for members by 2025.] => 東南亞國協(ASEAN)於 2015 年成立了東協經濟共同體(AEC),以允許該地區內的商品、服務、勞動力、資本和投資自由流動。 2025年東協經濟共同體(AEC)願景為AEC經濟體成員所做的2025年前規劃。
[European companies want to see accelerated trade talks and faster economic unification within ASEAN. The European Union’s (EU) interest in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region has long been central to the 28-country trading bloc’s engagement in Asia.
After establishing a mission to ASEAN in Jakarta, the EU has sought to become a strategic partner to the grouping. It is particularly keen to see ASEAN economies integrate.
Trade is at the core of this interest. Over the past 10 years, the EU has more than doubled its two-way trade with ASEAN nations to €211 billion in 2019. Although it has focused on advancing bilateral relations with various member countries, its ultimate goal is to strike a free trade deal with the entire bloc.
For European businesses in ASEAN, the region is highly attractive. But many are growing weary of what they see as stagnation in the effort to combine ASEAN economies into a single market. They want closer engagement with the region and progress on free trade talks after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Changing business sentiments
According to the EU-ASEAN Business Council’s 2020 Business Sentiment Survey, 53 percent of European businesses believe the ASEAN region offers the best economic opportunity for the next five years. About 73 percent expect to increase their trade and investment activity in the region over this period.
Workers producing latex in a factory in Thailand
While these numbers still show confidence in the region, they are down from 2019, when 63 percent of respondents saw ASEAN as the region with the best opportunity, and 84 percent expected to increase trade and investment.
Notably, nearly half of the respondents are considering reorganizing their supply chains, and sourcing goods and services elsewhere due to Covid-19. Although ASEAN was the leading destination, many respondents also chose Europe and China.
The declining interest has mainly been attributed to the slow progress of ASEAN integration and trade deal talks between the EU and ASEAN. Only 2 percent of survey respondents think ASEAN’s economic unification is moving quickly enough, down from 6 percent last year.
“The message from the survey is clear: ASEAN economic integration appears to be at a standstill. ASEAN and its constituents need to pick up the pace to meet the AEC [ASEAN Economic Community] Blueprint 2025 goals,” said Chris Humphrey, Executive Director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council.
However, there are doubts the grouping can meet its target, especially with non-tariff barriers (NTBs) rising in recent years. For example, during the first wave of Covid-19, some countries rushed to ban exports of certain medical and food products.
AEC Blueprint 2025ASEAN established the AEC in 2015 to allow the free flow of goods, services, labor, capital, and investment within the region. The AEC Blueprint 2025 is the roadmap for creating a single economy for members by 2025.
These protectionist measures were a knee-jerk reaction and have mostly been revoked, according to Dr. Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit, Assistant Professor at Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. She acknowledges, though, that uncertainties loom as some countries experience or face new waves of coronavirus.
“If the Covid-19 situation in the region worsens, there will be more pressure on governments, and they might be tempted to roll out more NTBs,” she said.
Trade deals could add new impetus
In addition to wanting ASEAN to do more, an overwhelming 98 percent of survey respondents would like the EU to speed up trade deal negotiations with ASEAN and its member countries.
The EU has so far only been negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) with individual members. It has signed deals with Singapore and Vietnam, and is now negotiating with Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Most European businesses (81 percent) believe an EU-ASEAN trade pact would bring in more benefits than bilateral deals. More than 70 percent believe the EU should go after a region-to-region deal before concluding bilateral agreements.
Cambodian workers producing clothes in a garment factory
However, an EU-ASEAN deal is not likely anytime soon, according to EU representative to ASEAN Igor Driesmans.
Such a deal faces several challenges. “On the technical front, the negotiation will not likely to be very fast,” said Dr. Pitakdumrongkit. “It’s because unlike the EU, which has the European Commission, there’s no institutional body in ASEAN that negotiates for all members.”
Then there is the question of what framework the EU–ASEAN agreement would follow — either the EU-Vietnam FTA or EU-Singapore FTA — or if a new template is created from scratch.
Opportunities beyond a trade agreement
But there is more to trade between the two regions than an FTA.
The growing trend of multisourcing — working with a diverse pool of suppliers — is expected to accelerate EU trade and investment in ASEAN. According to DHL’s latest Logistics Trend Radar, the pandemic’s tough operating environment has created more interest in multisourcing strategies to boost supply chain flexibility and resilience.
As businesses look to diversify supply chains outside China, Southeast Asia is often a natural choice because of its geographic proximity to China and rising manufacturing hubs led by Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia.
RELATED ARTICLESLogistics Trend Radar - 5th EditionExplore 29 key trends and innovations that can help you navigate the transformative change in the logistics industry.The recent launch of the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) may also facilitate trade in the region. The digitalized system sets provisions navigating the customs procedures across all member states. Its pilot phase kicked off in early 2020, with the full rollout expected within the year.
“Free trade and open borders are essential to driving economic progress. An integrated, seamless customs framework like the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) will be able to harmonize the cross-border regulatory processes and standards imposed across different member economies,” noted Bruno Selmoni, Head of Road Freight & Multimodal, ASEAN & South Asia at DHL Global Forwarding.
Over time, the full implementation of ACTS will also lower costs, while enhancing efficiency and reliability for road freight movements in the region, explained Selmoni.
The initiative will complement the ASEAN system of trade facilitation consisting of, among others, the ASEAN Single Window.
The single window, also a digital platform, enables the exchange of trade, commercial, and transport data among ASEAN member countries, speeding up customs clearance and easing trade.
Under the right economic conditions, it is only a matter of time before both blocs yield results from a promising EU-ASEAN partnership.
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南洋理工大學拉惹勒南國際研究學院(S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies)助理教授Kaewkamol Pitakdumrongkit博士指出,這些保護措施就像膝反射,幾乎已經觸發所有反應。然而教授坦言,當部分國家經歷或面臨新一波疫情時,仍然籠罩著不確定性。
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[$value] => The recent launch of the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) may also facilitate trade in the region. The digitalized system sets provisions navigating the customs procedures across all member states. Its pilot phase kicked off in early 2020, with the full rollout expected within the year.
“Free trade and open borders are essential to driving economic progress. An integrated, seamless customs framework like the ASEAN Customs Transit System (ACTS) will be able to harmonize the cross-border regulatory processes and standards imposed across different member economies,” noted Bruno Selmoni, Head of Road Freight & Multimodal, ASEAN & South Asia at DHL Global Forwarding.
Over time, the full implementation of ACTS will also lower costs, while enhancing efficiency and reliability for road freight movements in the region, explained Selmoni.
The initiative will complement the ASEAN system of trade facilitation consisting of, among others, the ASEAN Single Window.
The single window, also a digital platform, enables the exchange of trade, commercial, and transport data among ASEAN member countries, speeding up customs clearance and easing trade.
Under the right economic conditions, it is only a matter of time before both blocs yield results from a promising EU-ASEAN partnership.
)