This work presents a detailed analysis of the application of the WTO rule on regional arrangements to the current attempts at co-operation in the Asia Pacific region and makes recommendations for an institutional framework for economic integration in the region. The author argues that a framework for regional co-operation must be flexible in allowing for differential sub-regional arrangements and for a development-oriented trade policy, which has been common in some countries in the region. This thesis is based on a comprehensive account of the history and development of regional...