From Spaghetti Bowl to Jigsaw Puzzle? Addressing the Disarray in the World Trade System 15 May 2014 Philippines This learning event highlighted the proliferation of free trade agreements as the state of play in the Asia and Pacific region. It discussed how Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and Trans-Pacific Partnership appear as both regional and global jigsaw puzzles. Given the difficulties associated with solving these puzzles, the use of tariff and non-tariff barriers as possible options to consider in moving forward is examined. Program and Learning Materials 15 May 2014 Session / Activity Title Speaker(s) Presentation From Spaghetti Bowl to Jigsaw Puzzle? Addressing the Disarray in the World Trade System The Asia and Pacific region is party to 109 ratified free trade agreements, and with more being negotiated. The rise of mega-regionals suggests that… Jayant Menon Disclaimer The views expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) or its Board of Governors or the governments they represent. ADB does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this publication and accepts no responsibility for any consequence of their use. By making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area, or by using the term “country” in this document, ADB does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. Event Coordinator/s Regional Cooperation and Integration Division ADB Organizer/s Regional Cooperation and Integration, and Trade Division Topics Economics Industry and Trade Regional Cooperation and Integration