A middle power agenda for the global trading system

(Sam Hardwick – East Asia Forum) Middle powers can help sustain the trading system by doubling down on non-discrimination and openness, preventing a drift towards fragmented economic blocs. In a world of deep interdependence and strained multilateralism, connector economies and open plurilateral agreements offer a practical way to rebuild cooperation and update trade rules. The future of the system will depend on whether these countries can use platforms like the CPTPP and WTO-based initiatives to set standards, expand membership and anchor a more resilient rules-based order. – A middle power agenda for the global trading system | East Asia Forum