Poorer ASEAN nations could miss out on Asian FTA benefits

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Updated August 18, 2009 21:01:38

Regional trade ministers, who met in Bangkok over the weekend, say they are going full steam ahead to establish a free trade zone across Asia - and many say Asia could bypass Europe and the Americas to become a global free trade powerhouse. But some critics fear the free trade moves are putting the needs of big neighbouring economies before those of poorer ASEAN citizens.

Presenter: Matt Abud
Speakers: Simon Crean, Australian trade minister; Ganeshan Wignarajan, principal economist, office for regional integration, Asian Development Bank, Manila; Joseph Puruggalan, research associate, Focus on the Global South, Manila

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