The RCEP and the Changing Landscape of World Trade

Abstract

Abstract This article provides a detailed economic and legal analysis of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) with regard to foreign investment with the objective to give an assessment of the impact of this new treaty on investment policies and flows in the Asia-Pacific region. Part One analyzes recent foreign direct investment flows in the ASEAN+ 6 countries, focusing on sectors of rapid growth and participation in global value chains and offers an overview of the RCEP rules on investment from an economic and legal perspective. Part Two analyzes the impacts of deep integration agreements on investment, as in the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement and RCEP’s rules on investment, with particular emphasis on the actual and potential role of small and medium-sized enterprises. The final section looks forward, with best case and plausible-scenario analysis of future impacts on FDI within RCEP, if deep integration progresses among the 16 countries.