2021年1月14日，在博鳌亚洲论坛新春会员和合作伙伴特别活动暨《自由贸易协定：亚洲的选择》报告发布和讨论会上，新加坡国立大学东亚研究所所长郝福满（Bert Hoffman）先生指出，在亚洲的过去50年中，贸易一直是促进增长和消除贫困的重要引擎，而区域自由贸易协定在其中发挥了重要作用。现在全世界的自贸协定中已经有一半是涉及亚洲国家的。虽然目前世界贸易体系遇到了挑战，但是亚洲的贸易一体化并未止步。RCEP的成功签署标志着贸易仍被亚洲看作未来增长的重要因素。
On January 14th, 2021, at the panel discussion of the BFA New Year Special Event for Members and Partners and Launch and Panel Discussion of the "Free Trade Agreements: Asia's Choice" Report, Mr. Bert Hofman, Director of East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore, pointed out that, Asia has been successful in using trade to mobilize growth and reduce poverty over the past 50 years, and the use of regional trade agreements has been part of that engine. Currently Asian FTAs make up more than half of the FTAs around the world. Despite troubles faced by international trade system, Asia hasn’t stopped. Mr. Hofman believes that the signing of RCEP signals the region continues to see trade as a major factor in its future growth.
郝福满先生提出，为了实现更好的贸易一体化，我们需要在以下五个方面发力。
Mr. Hofman raised five issues to be addressed in order to promote trade integration.
第一，要用好现有的自贸协定。现有的自贸协定存在一定内容重叠的风险，因此要做好合并、深化、扩展现有自贸协定的工作。可考虑把RCEP的正面清单变为负面清单。
Firstly, we need to leverage existing FTAs. There are real risks of overlap among existing FTAs. Consolidating, deepening, and expanding existing FTAs is a real opportunity. We may consider turning RCEP positive list to negative list.
第二，对国内的相应政策做出调整，一方面可以使自贸协定真正落地，另一方面也可以为加入更高层次的自贸协定做好准备。要重视服务贸易在贸易中日益增长的重要性。
Secondly, adjustment to domestic agenda is needed. Adjustments are needed to fit in the intended framework of a number of trade agreements, and to prepare for even more ambitious trade agreements down the line. Service shall be included as an increasingly important factor in trade.
第三，自贸协定要放眼亚洲之外。亚洲与世界其他地区做好对接，潜力巨大。
Thirdly, we need to look beyond Asia, and the benefits for connecting Asia and other regions would be very big.
第四，我们不能忘记全球贸易协定以及全球贸易体系的重要性。世贸组织是一个非常重要的国际组织，现在它遇到困难，需要我们花精力去投入。
Fourthly, we should not forget the global trade agreement and the global trade system. The WTO is a valuable and useful institution. Now it is going through a difficult time and requires our investment and renewed support.
第五，要继续支持自贸协定涉及的发展中国家和欠发达国家。要帮助其尽早达到自贸协定的更高标准。
On the final note, investing in developing countries and less developed countries that are members of the trade agreements is going to remain important so they can meet the higher standards that the trade agreements require as soon as possible.
图片来源：pexles
