On January 14th, 2021, at the panel discussion of the BFA New Year Special Event for Members and Partners and Launch and Panel Discussion of the "Free Trade Agreements: Asia's Choice" Report, Mr. Bert Hofman, Director of East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore, pointed out that, Asia has been successful in using trade to mobilize growth and reduce poverty over the past 50 years, and the use of regional trade agreements has been part of that engine. Currently Asian FTAs make up more than half of the FTAs around the world. Despite troubles faced by international trade system, Asia hasn’t stopped. Mr. Hofman believes that the signing of RCEP signals the region continues to see trade as a major factor in its future growth.
郝福满先生提出，为了实现更好的贸易一体化，我们需要在以下五个方面发力。
Mr. Hofman rAIsed five issues to be addressed in order to promote trade integration.
Firstly, we need to leverage existing FTAs. There are real risks of overlap among existing FTAs. Consolidating, deepening, and expanding existing FTAs is a real opportunity. We may consider turning RCEP positive list to negative list.
Secondly, adjustment to domestic agenda is needed. Adjustments are needed to fit in the intended framework of a number of trade agreements, and to prepare for even more ambitious trade agreements down the line. Service shall be included as an increasingly important factor in trade.
第三，自贸协定要放眼亚洲之外。亚洲与世界其他地区做好对接，潜力巨大。
Thirdly, we need to look beyond Asia, and the benefits for connecting Asia and other regions would be very big.
Fourthly, we should not forget the global trade agreement and the global trade system. The WTO is a valuable and useful institution. Now it is going through a difficult time and requires our investment and renewed support.
第五，要继续支持自贸协定涉及的发展中国家和欠发达国家。要帮助其尽早达到自贸协定的更高标准。
On the final note, investing in developing countries and less developed countries that are members of the trade agreements is going to remain important so they can meet the higher standards that the trade agreements require as soon as possible.
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