Book Review: Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), ASEAN–India Development and Cooperation Report 2015
| Author | Amrita Saha |
| DOI | 10.1177/0015732516650821 |
| Date | 01 November 2016 |
| Published date | 01 November 2016 |
| Subject Matter | Book Reviews |
Book Reviews
Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS),
ASEAN–India Development and Cooperation Report 2015, New Delhi:
Routledge India, 2016, `795, 188 pp., ISBN 10: 1138926035.
The ASEAN–India Development and Cooperation Report 2015, a joint work of
the ASEAN–India Centre and Research and Information System for Developing
Countries, New Delhi, brings forth a comprehensive assessment of the macroeco-
nomic state of ASEAN–India partnership. It comprises 12 chapters that provide a
multi-dimensional discourse on the scope and opportunities for deeper ASEAN–
India integration. The underlying theme of this report emphasizes the untapped
potential from furthering cooperation for the two partners. In the background of
ongoing ASEAN integration, the benefits from further collaboration are assessed,
while highlighting policy imperatives to work towards the more aspirational goal
of deeper integration. The focus of the report is extensive, covering trade of goods
and services, investments, production networks, infrastructure, non-tariff barriers,
energy, monetary and financial cooperation, science and technology, food security
and cultural links. Here, I discuss the major findings stirring upon new policy
priorities that emerge from the analysis.
Following the introduction, the report commences with an assessment of
the global economic outlook (Chapter 1) and how this impacts the economic
sub-regions of South and Southeast Asia. It evaluates the ASEAN and India both
in terms of growth prospects and development. With this perspective, the assertion
is to ensure the ‘effectiveness’ of regional integration to combat repercussions
from global slowdowns. At this point, the reader is compelled to question the
meaning of effectiveness across different aspects of integration. However, this
sets an interesting premise for the report that then goes forward to examine the
economic logic and policy questions underlying various aspects of ASEAN–India
integration.
Key trends in merchandise and services trade are presented in Chapters 2 and 3.
The crucial point that emerges in Chapter 2 is the marginal impact of the ASEAN–
India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA) implemented in 2010. The figures assert
India’s share in ASEAN trade doubled from 2000 to 2013 (less than 3 per cent); on
the other hand, ASEAN share in India’s trade stood at 10 per cent; no significant
impact of the FTA was however witnessed over the period. Nevertheless, the
author simulates an optimistic scenario to demonstrate the potential welfare effects
from gradual reduction in trade costs by means of partial liberalization envisaged
under the AIFTA, along with trade facilitation underlined as a policy priority.
Foreign Trade Review
51(4) 344–348
©2016 Indian Institute of
Foreign Trade
SAGE Publications
sagepub.in/home.nav
DOI: 10.1177/0015732516650821
http://ftr.sagepub.com
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