China and ASEAN agreed to broaden commerce through a fresh pact. The arrangement seeks to expand commerce between China and the 10-member bloc. In a cautious climate, analysts flagged risks over growing Chinese investment, pointing to risks in deeper ties. In Australia, CPA Australia attended a Shenzhen economic exchange ahead of APEC. Singapore-based legal firm Wotton Kearney set up a shipping disputes practice. Vietnam announced a new alliance for its trade showcase.
Past analysis contended that mainstream international trade theory overlooks development issues. That view points to gaps in the way trade gains are assessed across economies.