In 2020, goods export growth in dollar terms was positive in only three Asian countries: China, Taiwan and Vietnam. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership negotiations may result in an intraregional trade boost to Asian countries, but the impact is unlikely to be felt in the short term. As usual with trade pacts, good intentions rarely live up to economic and national agenda realities. Following the pandemic, countries in the region will have to rely more on domestic growth to restore economic dynamism. This means, in a number of cases, overhauling existing policy frameworks and reorientating them towards ... (full story)