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The Economic Effects of Minimum Quality Standards and Mutual Recognition Agreements

선진국의 최소품질표준 설정과 국가 간 상호인정협정 체결의 효과 분석

  • Received : 2023.06.09
  • Accepted : 2023.06.27
  • Published : 2023.06.30
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Abstract

This study examines the economic effects of a developed country's minimum quality standards (MQS) and mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) between countries. Based on the results of such analysis, it also considers the optimal MRA strategy for South Korea. For this purpose, the paper constructs a simple three-country model in which the representative firms in each country supply differentiated goods to the developed country market. The analysis results are as follows: First, the rise in the MQS of a developed country intensifies the competition level, reduces the profits of all firms, and raises the developed country's consumer surplus. In addition, if one of the firms exits the market due to the MQS, competition is relaxed, and the profits of the remaining firms increase. Second, countries subject to MQS can improve their social welfare through the MRAs; thus, it is essential to utilize them strategically. In the case of South Korea, the optimal situation is to have an MRA with the developed country or for all three countries not to have any MRA.

본 연구는 선진국의 최소품질표준 설정과 국가 간 상호인정협정의 경제적 효과를 파악하고, 이를 기반으로 우리나라의 최적 상호인정협정 체결 전략을 분석한다. 이를 위하여 3개국의 대표기업이 서로 다른 품질의 제품을 선진국 시장에 공급하는 모형을 설정하였다. 분석결과, 첫째, 선진국 최소품질표준의 상승은 경쟁 상황을 심화시켜 모든 기업의 이윤을 감소시키며 선진국 소비자 효용을 증대시킨다. 또한, 최소품질표준으로 인하여 기업이 시장에서 퇴출된다면 경쟁은 완화되고 남은 기업들의 품질과 이윤은 늘어난다. 둘째, 최소품질표준을 적용을 받게 되는 국가들은 상호인정협정 체결을 통하여 사회후생을 증가 시킬 수 있으며, 서로 다른 국가들 간 상호인정협정 체결의 전략적 활용이 중요하다는 결론을 얻을 수 있다. 특히 우리나라의 경우 선진국과 상호인정협정을 체결하거나 3국 모두 상호인정협정을 체결하지 않는 상황이 최적으로 나타난다.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

이 논문은 2022년도 전북대학교 신임교수 연구비 지원에 의하여 연구되었음.

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