This paper evaluates the performance of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) by analysing the determinants of trade flows of Asian economies for a panel of 31 countries during 2007–2014 using a Gravity model. The estimated results suggest that certain FTAs negatively contribute to trade flows across the region and, that GDP and population, among other factors, can explain total trade flows. This study also finds that trade costs using distance as a proxy has a significant and negative effect on trade. Our results are in-line with the expectations which can be drawn by looking at trends of trade flows in Asia. Thus, a case is attempted for smoothening trade-flows across the region by reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, pumping in investments on transport infrastructure and improving productivity of the partners as a whole which has positive effects on GDP and thus trade. JEL Codes: F13, F14, C23

中文翻译：

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评估亚洲自由贸易协定：引力模型告诉我们什么？

本文通过使用重力模型分析 2007-2014 年 31 个国家的亚洲经济体贸易流量的决定因素来评估自由贸易协定 (FTA) 的表现。估计结果表明，某些自由贸易协定对整个地区的贸易流量产生负面影响，GDP 和人口等因素可以解释总贸易流量。本研究还发现，使用距离作为代理的贸易成本对贸易有显着的负面影响。我们的结果符合通过观察亚洲贸易流动趋势可以得出的预期。因此，试图通过减少关税和非关税壁垒来平稳整个地区的贸易流动，加大对交通基础设施的投资，提高合作伙伴整体的生产力，这对 GDP 和贸易产生积极影响。JEL 代码：F13、F14、C23