Synopsis

Global and regional economic trends over the past several years have given much cause for both optimism and
pessimism. On the one hand, the COVID-19 pandemic and US-China strategic competition, as well as nationalist and
populist concerns, have unravelled economic cooperation and disrupted supply chains. On the other hand, there is a trend towards multilateralism. Mega–free trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) have entered into force. Also, regional governments have put forward several initiatives to strengthen regional economic institutions and resilience. In light of these developments, this RSIS monograph seeks to examine how regional countries could bolster economic integration in a postpandemic era and to offer policy recommendations for the way forward.

The publication of this monograph follows the GRIPS-RSIS Workshop on “Regional Economic Integration in the Post-Pandemic Era” held on 16 February 2022.