ABSTRACT
The chapter investigates the nature of cooperation within the framework of trade regionalism in the Indo-Pacific, the causes and scope of this cooperation. The analysis addresses the existing intra-regional trade agreements concluded by the countries in the region. In addition to multi-lateral institutions with quasi-global outreach, such as the World Trade Organisation, the architecture of the contemporary trade system includes also regional agreements concluded on the basis of Article XXIV of GATT and Article V of GATS. Initially, the process of trade liberalisation under preferential trade agreements (PTAs) was relatively slow. However, it has intensified considerably since the mid-1990s. Currently, there are about 350 different preferential trade agreements in force. Bilateral and plurilateral PTAs are an important element of the economic strategy of Indo-Pacific countries. The aim of the chapter is to analyse economic integration in the Indo-Pacific. Due to the considerable number of intra-regional PTAs in the Indo-Pacific region, an analysis of those agreements should take into account at least several different criteria. The chapter classifies trade agreements in the Indo-Pacific region based on the following criteria: level of economic development of the parties, type and substantive scope of agreements and the level of economic integration.
