In this paper, I will select a region, chose a trading bloc within that region, and write an article in favor of regional integration and another against it. I will also describe the advantages and disadvantages of regional integration within both articles and relate the stage of economic development of the economically integrated region to potential business opportunities. Before stating my opinions of why I would be for regional integration and then, why I would be against it, I will define the term for clarification and understanding.
According to Hill, regional economic integration are agreements among countries in a geographic region to reduce, and ultimately remove tariff and non-tariff barriers to the free flow of goods, services, and factors of productions between each other (Hill, 2009). For sake of simplicity, I have chosen the North American region, with NAFTA as the trading bloc to state my favor of regional integration for the region, and my disapproval of it.
English: A North American Free Trade Agreement (NA...
Carlos Salinas (left), George H.W. Bush and Brian ...
List of countries by leading trade partnersIt is important as well, before beginning my articles, that one understands basic details of NAFTA. In 1994, the United States, Canada, and Mexico, reached an agreement that promised to remove all barriers to the free flow of goods and services between the countries and instituted a phasing out of tariffs and other fees to encourage free trade (InvestorWords, 2009). This agreement coincides directly with the purposes of regional integration, and there are positive and negative effects of such actions.
Article One (In favor of regional integration)Regional integration in North America has faced opposition but not surprisingly, much support as well. It is beneficial that manufacturing would be moved to Mexico where labor is less expensive, and today many businesses have taken profitable advantage on this cost-saving opportunity. Such a move is a clear benefit to Mexico because of the...