ASEAN Forest Cover

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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