The Trade-Technology Nexus in the Asia Pacific

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation and created opportunities to encourage innovation and technological adoption. Notwithstanding, the glaring missing piece in the global trade perspective has been the rules conducive to digital trade. The IPEF might be a viable option to fill in the gap with the multilateral trading system represented by the WTO in crisis. One of key priorities of APEC 2022 includes the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP). It is time to establish a trade-technology nexus in the Asia Pacific through a new regional cooperation platform such as the IPEF or FTAAP, together with APEC and existing regional frameworks including CPTPP and RCEP for further cooperation and common prosperity.