降低貿易成本的收益遠大於穩定收入增長的收益。東協及世界銀行就此觀點與本文有相同的理解。然而，許多這些成本是隱藏或潛伏或隱性的，不能被容易地確認或識別。因此，東盟國家必須負起確定並降低這些貿易障礙的責任。 The following Thesis Dissertation objective consisted of the categorization and statistical analysis of the general determinants of intraregional ASEAN trade through the use of the gravity model of international trade. Used properly, the gravity model of trade can predict trade rather accurately and can illuminate where trade is deficient and where it is successful.
Our analysis was done by focusing on each of the member states’ GDP and a general measure of the trading cost between them, moreover assessing their effect on trade in ASEAN. The most important factor affecting bilateral trade is thought to be the cost of doing the trade. These costs can be thought of as relatively fixed costs and highly variable costs. They can be further categorized as natural and man-made.
The gains from reducing trade costs far outweigh the gains from stabilizing income growth. ASEAN and the World Bank appear to understand this point and seem to agree with us on this matter. However, many of these costs are hidden or are latent or implicit and cannot be readily defined or identified. It is therefore incumbent on the countries of ASEAN to work closely and honestly in identifying these impediments and work hard to reduce them.
