Debate from ROAPE Volume 35 Number 118
Relationship Between the WTO & Regional Integration Arrangements (RIAs)

The relationship between the World Trade Organization (WTO) and regional integration arrangement (RIAs) is problematic. Although RIAs need to comply with WTO rules, there is no fruitful interaction. It is therefore promising that leading economists have made efforts to try to resolve the malfunctioning relationship (Baldwin & Thornton, 2008). Richard Baldwin (2008) states that:
 
If the WTO is to survive and flourish, it must adapt because regionalism is here to stay. Embarking on a WTO Action Plan on Regionalism would be a strong step towards adapting to the new reality.
 
This plan is supposed to contribute to enabling the WTO to change from an ‘innocent bystander’ to active ‘engagement’ with RIAs.