• Korea Trade Review
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.327-344
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• 2019

This paper explores the hub-and-spoke system as the structure of the global economic network that presents obstacles for international cooperation. With its exclusive jurisdiction and control over the hub, a powerful state can employ coercive economic measures to compel and deter unwanted behavior of rogue states and even its allies. Against this backdrop, this study analyzes the cases of the US blocking access to its market by Chinese Huawei as well as the case of Japan in restricting trade for highly advanced goods to South Korea. This analysis reveals that both measures are forms of secondary boycotts, which affect not only the entities within their jurisdiction but also others located in third countries. In addition, this paper extends its findings to free trade agreements and offers implications on the outward processing scheme for the Gaeseong Industrial Complex in the KORUS FTA and the Korea-China FTA. These events result in a gray-risk for South Korea, a country that aims to resolve North Korea's denuclearization and inter-Korean economic cooperation.

• Analyses & Alternatives
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.5-29
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• 2018

Models of South-North Korean economic integration have the problem of circular reasoning. While many studies argue that South-North Korean economic integration would contribute to alleviate security risks in the Korean peninsular, they emphasize the success of any economic model of inter-Korean economic integration is subject to favorable geo-political and security environment. It is a failure in distinguishing between goals and constraints. After identifying three major goals of South-North Korean economic cooperation, this study shows the trilemma among the goals; they are 1) formation of a complete economic community, 2) maintaining independent sovereignty of the two Koreas, 3) promotion of mutual economic interests. The trilemma suggests that it is theoretically impossible to achieve the above three goals at the same time. Only two goals are achievable simultaneously. This study argues that the most practical option is to pursue the combination of goals 2) and 3) considering the complex political and security environment around the Korean peninsular. Recognizing that North Korea is the least developed country in the Northeast Asia region, South Korea's initiatives for inter-Korean economic cooperation should focus on assisting industrialization and integration of the North Korea economy into the Northeast Asian regional production sharing structure. In view of the 'flying geese model' of the sequential industrialization in the region, the least developed economic status of North Korea can partially be explained by its failure to participate in the production network in the region as well as lack of effective implementation of appropriate industrial policy. Therefore, promotion of industrialization of North Korea should be the immediate goal of economic cooperation between North and South Korea. It is an interesting fact that North Korea has rapidly expanded its apparel exports in recent years. It could mean that the North Korean economy is actively responding to the dynamics of international comparative advantage structure, although the production activities are limited to exports to China since the closure of the Gaesung Industrial Complex. The recent increase in apparel export is a starting point for incorporating the Easy Import Substitution fulfilling both domestic and neighboring regional demand of North Korea. It could help integrate North Korea's industry into the production network of Northeast Asia. An immediate policy implication is that the economic cooperation between the two Koreas should focus on facilitating this process and supporting North Korea's industrial policy through South Korea's contribution of capital, technology, and service intermediary inputs.

• International Commerce and Information Review
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.343-362
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• 2007

Inter-Korean Economic Cooperation needs to a different strategy for developing synergy effects, suggesting they should be selected for role to the unification Korea. In the this paper, Three policy-strategies is suggested as follows. Firstly, Economic Cooperation Driving Committee of Inter-Korean Digital Cultural Content is necessary the recovering of cultual consubstantiality and the operating of business partnership in the divided peninsular. Secondly, To cultural contents cooperation between South-North Korea. the exchange of learning and information must be activated constantly. as the cultural contents is creative industrial, it needs for imagination and creative of human and understanding of a fine arts, a traditional arts. Thirdly, A policy and system is inevitable to construction of Inter Korean Cooperation Digital Contents. South-North Korea, including a North Korea having a excellent cultural heritage, must jointly recovery for cultural contents. Under social-economic system, a consumers of digital contents pay to the format creator many royalty. Therefore, We must prepare to roll out a series of new creative contents, and have competitive advantages in the global market.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers Conference
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• 2005.07a
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• pp.609-610
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• 2005

Science and technology is the power of impelling the economic and social development. Promoting the international sci-tech communication and cooperation is one of the important ways of pulling the economic development of Northeast Asia area. Sci-tech communication and cooperation between the government and the folk are two wings of international sci-tech communication and cooperation. Both are supplemented mutually and indispensable. In order to promote the economic and social development of Northeast Asia area and further strength, some suggestions are put forward, i.e. fully exerting university the main roles in the sci-tech communication and cooperation of Northeast Asia area and fully exerting Liaoning province the important roles in the sci-tech communication and cooperation of Northeast Asia area.

• Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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• 2015.05a
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• pp.223-223
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• 2015

This research evaluates cooperation in transboundary rivers with special reference to the Great Mekong Subregion (GMS) program in the Mekong River Basin. The benefit sharing approach has been deployed as a theoretical framework to analyze the extent to which the riparian states have achieved cooperation. The river basin governance led by the Mekong River Commission since 1995 has not adequately performed due to non-participation of upstream countries and the lack of law enforcement mechanism. Since the late 1980s, China has undertaken hydropower development unilaterally, thereby triggering discomfort from the Lower Mekong countries. The GMS program has led China to strengthening economic ties with the downstream countries through hydropower development as investors and developers. The program has also supported the establishment of economic corridors, and removal of physical barriers and has paved the way for cooperation in other sectors, such as the environment, agriculture, tourism and energy. There are challenges for further cooperation, including the development gaps between China and the downstream countries, political tensions and environment impacts of hydropower dams in the river basin. The Mekong River Basin shows the possibility of cooperation through benefit sharing. Sharing benefits accrued from the river and beyond the river between China and the downstream countries have enhanced economic ties, thereby consolidating cooperation each another.

• Journal of Korea Trade
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.1-19
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• 2021

Purpose - This paper aims at analyzing the functions and effectiveness of the cooperation agenda in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), focusing on the cases of Asian countries. This paper estimates the contribution of this agenda to the sustainable development in Asia by providing the 'side payment' of the economic integration that encourages foreign investment and change in global value chains (GVC). Design/methodology - This study analyzes the functions of the cooperation chapter in FTAs by applying the cooperative game theory and reviewing the structures of the related FTAs. Also, as an empirical study, the existing FTA provisions and related development assistant programs in Asia are reviewed in this paper, especially focusing on the FTAs signed by Korea. Findings - Our main findings can be summarized as follows: The drawback of the economic integration, which would be the imbalanced economic benefit, can be redressed by the cooperation chapter in FTAs functioning as a 'side payment'. Indeed, as the examples of Korean FTAs show, more foreign investment and the GVC expansion in Asian countries have been encouraged thanks to the implementation of the cooperation chapters. Originality/value - This paper attempts to find how a legally binding agreement would influence the cooperation agenda in Asia which has never been analyzed despite the increasing number of so-called 'cooperation' chapters in the FTAs.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.14 no.10
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• pp.137-146
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• 2016

Purpose - Korean agriculture is facing internal and external environmental changes and the need for secure stable outlets. Active participation and mutually beneficial cooperation between enterprises and agricultural is necessary for a win-win situation. This study investigates the case for distribution cooperation and a cooperative system. To respond to the diverse needs of consumers and market reclamation, there is a need to analyze and categorize distribution cooperation. Research design, data, and methodology - A literature study, relevant interviews with enterprises, and meetings with local government practices were conducted. A survey frame was derived through the participation of agricultural enterprises and distribution cooperation models were categorized identifying win-win cooperation and best practices. It was organized on the basis of six best practice examples of distribution cooperation between industry and agricultural sectors, divided into three types: opening distribution channels, exporting cooperation, and developing new products. Results - An innovation management system that can adapt to environmental changes and problems of agriculture is necessary. A company has to supply high-quality agricultural products reliably to meet the preferences of consumers by introducing products that promote domestic market differentiation. In addition, consumers are choosing a variety of products that may include not only high quality products but also local products and safe products. The main areas of cooperation are the direct provision of agrifood raw materials to consumers. Next, would be to help agricultural sectors distribute and pioneer international markets. The ideal step for distribution cooperation is the joint investment in new products by business and agriculture. Conclusions - Agriculture and win-win cooperation with enterprises is in an early stage of social contribution. To implement a distribution cooperation model between business and agricultural sectors, it is crucial to establish a structured support system including joint councils. Additional requirements include strengthening agricultural capacities, creating a legal basis for provision, and producing a win-win cooperation environment. The promotion of win-win cooperation and agricultural enterprises needs to exist in various forms in order to establish a different type of incentive system.

• International Journal of Contents
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.26-31
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• 2007

The purpose of this study is to explore the emergence of Chinese economy and the possibility of economic cooperation between the East Asian countries, which will facilitate the solution to structural problems in the economy and industries of these countries. This study presents that China will remain essential to the East Asian economy and changes are anticipated in its economic growth rate, growth strategy and risks. How to respond to them will be the critical movement that will determine the future course of the East Asian economy. To solve this question, firstly each government of East Asian countries needs to come up with strategies that will leverage China for their industrial upgrade and economic development even when the risks facing China are realized. Second, each government of East Asian countries should make a wise approach towards a free trade agreement between EATR and China.

• Korea Trade Review
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.115-128
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• 2019

This article analyzes issues regarding the economic development of the arctic area with the aim of finding ways to help solve the problems and to support sustainable economic development of the arctic area. Some proposals are introduced for establishing a sound legal infrastructure of the Korea-Russia economic development of the arctic area. As Russia develops the Arctic area and the route through the Arctic area, Korea will gain the possibility of transportation efficiency, vitalization of international transaction, and finding new markets. Resource development in the North Pole is ongoing, with matching international transaction and economic benefits. To reflect the Korea-Russia interests and to sustain the effect, the legal infrastructure is inevitable. For example, it would be reinforced by pushing forward the Korea-Russia FTA. The legal infrastructure for economic cooperation of Korea and Russia has to reflect that 'the development of the Arctic area and making the route through the Arctic area' should increase the sustainability and vitality of international transaction. The legal infrastructure for economic benefits can also help mitigating non-economic arguments of international community such as the security risk in the Korean-peninsula and around the world.

• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.91-111
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• 2001

This study was conducted in order to develop inter-local cooperation strategies between the City of Incheon, in Korea, and three provinces in northeastern China. We begin with a description of the history of and prospects for trade between Korea and China, an explanation of the current economic status of Incheon, statistics on the economy, trade and investment trends in the region, and information on the ports of the three Chinese provinces. The following strategies are suggested for inter-local cooperation based on the current circumstances. First, cooperative industrial strategies and economic investment for promoting the mutual concerns and interests of China and Korea were developed. Second, a practical way of utilizing the Incheon Industrial Park located in Dandong, China, was devised to stimulate industrial and investment cooperation. Third, a method of building a network among major ports in Korea and other Northeast Asian port cities was developed. Fourth, an international logistics transportation system that makes connection between sea, land and air easier through logistics standardization was suggested in preparation fur the changing environment of logistics brought about by the opening of the new Incheon International Airport. Fifth, methods of Improving port facilities are suggested. And, finally, the role and necessity of the Incheon City Interchange Center in executing inter-local cooperation strategies is described.