2021年1月14日，在博鳌亞洲論壇新春會員和合作夥伴特別活動暨《自由貿易協定：亞洲的選擇》報告發布和討論會上，新加坡國立大學東亞研究所所長郝福滿（Bert Hoffman）先生指出，在亞洲的過去50年中，貿易一直是促進增長和消除貧困的重要引擎，而區域自由貿易協定在其中發揮了重要作用。現在全世界的自貿協定中已經有一半是涉及亞洲國家的。雖然目前世界貿易體系遇到了挑戰，但是亞洲的貿易一體化並未止步。RCEP的成功簽署標志著貿易仍被亞洲看作未來增長的重要因素。
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.
郝福滿先生提出，爲了實現更好的貿易一體化，我們需要在以下五個方面發力。
Mr. Hofman raised five issues to be addressed in order to promote trade integration.
第一，要用好現有的自貿協定。現有的自貿協定存在一定內容重疊的風險，因此要做好合並、深化、擴展現有自貿協定的工作。可考慮把RCEP的正面清單變爲負面清單。
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.
第二，對國內的相應政策做出調整，一方面可以使自貿協定真正落地，另一方面也可以爲加入更高層次的自貿協定做好准備。要重視服務貿易在貿易中日益增長的重要性。
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，自貿協定要放眼亞洲之外。亞洲與世界其他地區做好對接，潛力巨大。
Thirdly, we need to look beyond Asia, and the benefits for connecting Asia and other regions would be very big.
第四，我們不能忘記全球貿易協定以及全球貿易體系的重要性。世貿組織是一個非常重要的國際組織，現在它遇到困難，需要我們花精力去投入。
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，要繼續支持自貿協定涉及的發展中國家和欠發達國家。要幫助其盡早達到自貿協定的更高標准。
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.
圖片來源：pexles