ASEAN FOREST
COVER
by
Antonio C. Antonio
July 13,
2014
My friend
and colleague in the UPlanders, Jabez Flores, forwarded the accompanying photo
to me earlier today. The image of forest
cover among ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations)-member nations
brought back thoughts of the forthcoming ASEAN Integration next year where all
South East Asian Nations will formally constitute the AEC (ASEAN Economic
Community). Part of this regional
partnership is the AFTA (ASEAN Free Trade Agreement) which a lot of us are not
too comfortable with. It should be noted
that most, if not all, regional grouping of countries are more often dominated
by the stronger economies. The weaker states are normally benefitted only
by the crumbs from the table of the more economically advanced countries.
“The primary
objectives of AFTA focus on (a) increasing ASEAN’s competitive advantage and
edge as a production area in the world market by eliminating or minimizing
tariffs and non-tariff barriers and (b) attracting more foreign direct
investments to ASEAN. To increase the
competitive advantage of ASEAN, a Common Effective Preferential Tariff scheme
was adopted by its members. This scheme gives ASEAN nations free and
affordable access to products and services offered in the region. ASEAN is made up of 10 countries. If we
ranked them, the first five should be (1) Singapore, (2) Brunei, (3) Thailand,
(4) Malaysia and (5) Indonesia while the bottom half should be (6) Vietnam, (7)
Cambodia, (8) Philippines, (9) Laos and (10) Myanmar. From this rough
positioning, it is easy to assume that Singapore, Brunei and Thailand will be
the dominant members with Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia still
exercising some degree of influence while the bottom three --- Philippines,
Laos and Myanmar --- are the bit players… in Tagalog: “Susunod-sunod lang sa
agos.” (Antonio, 2013)
“Another contemptuous issue is the balanced
utilization of natural resources. Environmental concerns in the
international community of nations have risen to higher levels in the past
three decades. Global Warming and Climate Change are now the priority concerns
of everyone. And everyone would like to hold on to the natural resources
available in their respective countries in reserve while importing natural
resources from others. The more dominant and economically advanced
countries are feeding on the inability of weaker economies to compete in the
world market. On the other hand, underdeveloped and developing countries
have nothing to offer but their natural resources in a bid to industrialize and
improve their financial position. The effects of this trading condition
will only felt in the long term… when the poor economies find themselves poorer
with the depletion of their natural resources. The most often abused
natural resources are forest and mineral resources.” (Antonio, 2013)
Where
does this leave us now that we are at the bottom of the list in forest cover
left in the ASEAN community. It should
be noted that even if Singapore is last on the list, this country’s core
competence is international trade and would not at all be bothered by its lack
of natural resources. But the case of
the Philippines is different. Like most
underdeveloped economies, our only bargaining chip is our natural
resources. But what do we bargain with
if we don’t have it (forest resources) anymore.
How do we now compete from a position of strength?
Just my
little thoughts…
REFERENCE: Globalization, International Trade and Upland
Resources Use (antonantonio.blogspot.com)
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