2023-01-08-亚开行-区域全面经济伙伴关系中的服务贸易自由化_现状和前进方向（英）_14页_671kb

RCEP Services Trade Liberalization: Key Findings

1. Overall Liberalization: The RCEP Agreement introduced deeper liberalization measures for services trade compared to the GATS, with all RCEP countries except the Philippines and China committing to higher liberalization levels. Mode 3 (commercial presence) recorded the highest average liberalization rate of 40.9%, while Mode 4 (movement of natural persons) showed the lowest at 34.2%.

2. Country Disparities: Significant disparities exist between RCEP members. Countries like Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Singapore achieved high liberalization gains (around 20–100%). In contrast, the Philippines showed limited progress, with most of its commitments remaining unchanged from GATS.

3. Modality Challenges: Transitioning from a positive list to a negative list approach posed challenges, particularly for least-developed countries such as Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, which were granted extended transition periods. Technical and regulatory capacity emerged as a key barrier.

4. Mode-Specific Liberalization:

   • Mode 1 (Cross-border supply): Average liberalization rate of 46.1%, driven by commitments in finance, telecommunications, and transportation.
   • Mode 2 (Consumption abroad): Highest liberalization rate at 70.1%, indicating strong market access and national treatment restrictions were largely removed.
   • Mode 3 (Commercial presence): Moderate liberalization at 40.9%, but restrictions on foreign equity participation (measures like legal entity requirements and joint venture limits) remained heavily binding in many countries.
   • Mode 4 (Movement of natural persons): Lowest liberalization at 34.2%, with most countries limiting contractual service suppliers (e.g., business visitors) and independent professionals (e.g., skilled workers). Japan and Singapore were relatively more liberal.

5. Spillover Effects: The study confirmed positive spillover effects from Mode 4 liberalization on merchandise trade, supporting post-pandemic recovery and growth through preference, contract enforcement, and information dissemination.

6. Post-COVID-19 Context: The tourism sector (Mode 2) experienced sharp declines during the pandemic, while financial, insurance, and telecommunications services were less affected. RCEP’s deeper liberalization under Mode 1 could foster digital trade growth but may widen the digital divide.

7. Recommendations: Strengthening regulatory capacity, promoting digital infrastructure, human capital investments, and ongoing regulatory coherence are needed to fully realize RCEP’s potential for equitable development.