Globalization, Innovation Systems, and AFTA: Emerging Trends and Challenges

This policy monograph discusses the emerging trends and challenges posed by globalization on the agriculture sector in Southeast Asia, emphasizing the need to be competitive, efficient, technologically equipped, and abreast with international developments to be able to take advantage of the benefits from trade liberalization.

Three major trends emerging in Southeast Asia are noted here as a consequence of globalization. These are the shifting trade patterns where developed countries have become the net exporters of agricultural products; East Asia becoming a dominant market for world agriculture products; and the composition of agricultural trade is shifting with possibilities for developing countries finding niche markets in horticultural crops and processed agricultural products. It is further emphasized that cooperation among member countries should extend beyond economic cooperation to include technological complementation.