Articles

Analysis of the Connectivity Parameters of the Proposed Trilateral Highway (TH) between India, Myanmar and Thailand (IMT), The Industrial Corridor and its Impact on the Economic Development of Southeast Asia

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The proposed Trilateral Expressway passing between India, Myanmar and Thailand (IMT) is regarded as a groundbreaking project aimed at establishing smooth connectivity in the region of South Asia and Southeast Asia. This paper examines the multidimensional impact of the IMT expressway on trade, commerce and cultural ties in the region. It reviews the financial prospects of the participating nations as a result of implementation of the proposed project. Even though the IMT expressway claims high cut-offs in the time and costs of logistics, creation of new markets and stronger cultural exchanges in the region, it is susceptible to several adverse conditions and obstacles.  The political unrest and security issues in Myanmar, a major participant of the project raise serious concerns in reaping the complete benefits of the of the project. Discrepancies in the regulatory mechanisms and lack of synchronization in allocation of funds for the project are few other impediments of this venture. The paper views that despite several impediments and adversities, the IMT expressway would become a turning point in the history of the three nations and the whole region. It can largely contribute to the long-term cooperation and economic progress of the region.

Does Implementing Trade Facilitation Improve Social Welfare? In Case of ASEAN

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In recent years, the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have been concentrating on increasing trade facilitation (TF) goals. Ineffective commitment to TF can have a variety of detrimental consequences on a country’s welfare. The impact of three TF metrics on social well being in ASEAN countries is investigated in this study. The analysis shows that improvements in institutions, market efficiency, and infrastructure will enhance employment, school enrollment, and life expectancy using the System Generalized Method of Moments (SGMM) estimator with data gathered between 2000 and 2021. This progress even contributes to a reduction in the country’s annual traffic incidents. As a result, TF is a critical tool for improving a country’s social welfare.

Economic Growth and Government Expenditure in ASEAN Countries: A Threshold Approach

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This study examines the effect of government spending on the economic growth of ASEAN countries between 2000 and 2020, using estimates for panel data. The results show that government spending responds positively to the economic growth of ASEAN countries. Intriguingly, this study finds a threshold level for government spending that reduces economic growth if governments let it exceeds 26.82 percent of GDP. Therefore, this study recommends that ASEAN governments need to pursue targeted and rational spending policies.

Testing the Role of Socioeconomic Levels and Government Policies in Spreading Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in ASEAN

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Although there has been an enormous scientific attempt to understand the transmission of COVID‐19, there are many knowledge gaps yet to be filled. This study aims to investigate the role of socioeconomic level and government response in the spread of COVID-19. The socioeconomic level is represented by gross domestic product, population density, and multidimensional poverty index. Meanwhile, government policies are characterized by a stringency index, and the incidence rate represents the spread of COVID. Using a sample of 10 ASEAN countries, from March 28, 2020, to July 30, 2021, the results show a positive relationship between socioeconomic level and the incidence rate of COVID-19 in communities, meaning socioeconomic factors are the determinant of the incidence rate of COVID-19. In addition, there is a significant negative relationship between the stringency index and the incidence rate, revealing that the more stringent policy was, the less COVID spread.

Vietnam-Asean Trade: Solutions for Vietnam’s Import and Export

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This study carries out to analyze the current state between Vietnam and other countries in the ASEAN region. Research outcomes show that Vietnam’s exports and imports with countries in the ASEAN region have increased during the study period. The expansion of trade activities is a good sign for exchange activities between countries. Based on that analysis, the study proposes several recommendations to expand further trade activities between Vietnam and ASEAN countries towards countries in the ASEAN region to become the main export and import market of Vietnam.