Deck 3: Regional Economic Integration

Question 1

In 1969, frustrated by the lack of progress in LAFTA, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru joined in creating the Andean Group, which aimed to create economic integration through reduced taxes, a common external tariff, and investment in the poorer industrial areas of their respective countries.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

One could argue that regional and global integration are not complements, but substitutes to economic development of a particular region.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

Generally, countries within trading blocs that have significantly lowered trade barriers have done better economically than others.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

A group of states with convergent social, economic, and monetary policies is called a(n)_____.

A)customs union
B)economic union
C)free trade area
D)common market
E)political union

Question 5

_____ refers to the process of allowing efficient geographic distribution of business activities within and among countries.

A)Regional integration
B)Spatial transformations
C)Free trade
D)Economic integration
E)Economic geography

Question 6

All 28 EU countries are permitted to use the euro as their currency.

Question 7

A growing ASEAN concern is the economic ascendancy of Turkey, which as a major low-cost manufacturing center, has been one of the world's most attractive destinations for foreign direct investment.

Question 8

In 2003, ASEAN leaders agreed to establish an ASEAN Community based on three pillars: ASEAN Security Community; ASEAN Economic Community; and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.

Question 9

The union created when member countries of an economic and monetary union work closely with one another to arrive at common defense and foreign policies and behave as a single country is known as a(n)_____.

A)customs union
B)economic union
C)free trade area
D)common market
E)political union

Question 10

ASEAN, headquartered in New Delhi, India, was established in August 1967 by five founding members: India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

Question 11

Through various treaties (e.g, the Treaty of Rome, Maastricht Treaty, Copenhagen Treaty, Treaty of Nice, the Lisbon Treaty), the EU is deepening and strengthening its institutional linkages; it is hoped that this will enable the EU to act as one country that will effectively compete with the U.S.

Question 12

Both common markets and economic unions abolish restrictions on factor movements.

Question 13

Remote regions with small local markets which Paul Collier calls the "bottom billion," are located in Central Asia; East, Central and West Africa; and the Pacific Islands.

Question 14

The appropriate approach for countries interested in regional integration could include the following three fundamentals: start small, think global, and compensate the least fortunate.

Question 15

The World Bank's World Development Report (WDR), titled "Reshaping Economic Geography," analyzes trade and regional economic integration through the lens of economic geography (i.e., market size, location, and openness to trade). The WDR concludes that positive changes within these three categories are essential for successful regional integration.

Question 16

The origins of the European Union (EU)can be traced to the creation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)in 1949.

Question 17

NAFTA is a comprehensive free-trade agreement among Canada, United States, and Mexico that addresses issues ranging from protection of workers' rights and the environment to phased reduction of tariff and non-tariff trade barriers, which were finally eliminated in 2009.

Question 18

With uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the Doha Round of trade negotiations, countries (large and small)are clamoring for bilateral or regional trade agreements to meet their specific agendas causing economists to be concerned about the prospects of creating a truly open global economic system that benefits all countries.

Question 19

According to the text, which of the following is the second stage of regional integration?

A)A customs union
B)An economic union
C)A free trade area
D)A common market
E)A political union

Question 20

Three countries, X, Y, and Z are part of a member area where they have eliminated all barriers to trade such as tariffs, quotas, and non-tariff barriers like border restrictions, while at the same time keeping their own external tariffs against nonmembers. Such an area could be described as a(n)_____ area.

A)regional
B)spatial
C)open trade
D)embargo
E)free trade

Question 21

According to the text, which of the following is NOT a regional bloc close to world markets?

A)Guatemala
B)Chile
C)Russia
D)Singapore
E)Vietnam

Question 22

All of the following statements about the EU are true EXCEPT:

A)it is headquartered in Brussels.
B)it is the most highly evolved example of regional integration in the world.
C)its founding members consisted of ten countries.
D)its origins can be traced to the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community.
E)its eastward enlargement reflects a common past.

Question 23

Of the following, which is NOT a primary reason why countries are now seeking to pursue regional integration at the expense of multilateral trade liberalization?

A)Uncertainty surrounding the Doha Round
B)Concern that the prospect of creating a truly open global economic system that benefits all countries may recede
C)Some governments may initiate regional pacts
D)Some countries are clamoring for bilateral or regional trade agreements to meet their specific agendas
E)NAFTA is pushing the EU to pursue regional integration

Question 24

Of the following statements about regional blocs close to major world markets, which is NOT true?

A)The ASEAN is intensifying its free trade relations with the huge markets in China.
B)India, Japan, and South Korea play an important role in the SAARC.
C)Access to markets is essential for economic growth.
D)The oil-rich regional economy of the Middle East and North Africa has been growing fast and creating jobs for its population.
E)Countries close to major markets have the advantage of connecting to suppliers and ideas.

Question 25

Investments in basic and higher education are made through the ASEAN ______ community.

A)​sociocultural
B)​security
C)​educational
D)​literacy
E)​economic

Question 26

What is the goal of the ASEAN Security Community (ASC)?

A)To ensure that countries in the region live in peace with one another
B)To come to the aid of member nations in time of war
C)To ensure that the ASEAN workforce is prepared to benefit from economic integration
D)To oversee the construction of roads and railways between member nations
E)To use the military to ensure the free flow of goods across borders

Question 27

The World Bank's (2009)World Development Report concludes that successful regional integration depends on positive changes within

A)comparative and absolute advantage.
B)market size, location, and openness to trade.
C)government control over the economy.
D)the relationship between employers and employees.
E)regional integration blocs.

Question 28

ASEAN's current membership stands at how many countries?

A)5
B)10
C)2
D)25
E)30

Question 29

NAFTA is in which stage of the economic integration process?

A)First stage (free trade area)
B)Second stage (customs union)
C)Third stage (common market)
D)Fourth stage (economic union)
E)Fifth stage (political union)

Question 30

When the various regional integration blocs are analyzed from an economic geography perspective, they fall under three general categories - regional blocs close to major world markets, remote regions with large local markets, or _____.

A)urban regions with small local markets
B)urban regions with large local markets
C)urban regions with no local markets
D)remote regions with small local markets
E)remote regions with no local markets

Question 31

All of the following statements about regional integration are true EXCEPT:

A)regional integration should initially address a broad, ill-defined area of cooperation.
B)regional integration should not create unconnected or isolated countries.
C)regional integration should compensate the least fortunate.
D)regional integration has advantages and disadvantages.
E)regional integration may reduce the powers of the national government.

Question 32

The members of the Maghreb Union

A)all have similar political and economic systems.
B)hope to form an economic and political union in North Africa.
C)all suffer under enormous amounts of debt.
D)are losing their competitiveness against EU countries.
E)have been unable to attract much foreign investment.

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT an objective of NAFTA?

A)The expansion of the trade in goods and services
B)The phased elimination of all trade barriers
C)Protection of intellectual property rights
D)The creation of a uniform currency in North America
E)The creation of institutions to address potential problems

Question 34

In which country  is ASEAN headquartered?

A)Indonesia
B)Vietnam
C)Canada
D)Japan
E)India

Question 35

ASEAN has two main objectives: 1)to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region; and 2)_____.

A)to trade with NAFTA
B)to promote regional peace and stability
C)to cover Asian countries to use of the euro
D)to create more countries in Asia
E)to become a world power

Question 36

Of the following statements regarding the euro, which is NOT true?

A)The U.K., Denmark, and Sweden use the euro as their currency.
B)The euro was introduced on January 1, 1999.
C)Eighteen of the 28 EU countries are permitted to use the euro as their currency.
D)The euro was considered the crowning success of the EU's plans to integrate European economies.
E)The European Central Bank is the apex central bank for the Eurozone countries.

Question 37

How does ASEAN differ from the EU?

A)It does not call for the free movement of labor across member states.
B)It maintains both tariff and non-tariff barriers among member states.
C)It calls for the establishment of a single market.
D)It calls for the establishment of a production base.
E)It refuses to do business with non-member states.

Question 38

The newest member of the EU is _____.

A)Bulgaria
B)Malta
C)Russia
D)Turkey
E)Croatia

Question 39

Of the following, which is NOT a cost of regional integration?

A)Moving away from most-favored-nation status rule
B)Disregarding cultural and social differences
C)Losing some national sovereignty
D)Reducing the powers of the national government
E)Enhancing the flow of capital, labor, and technology

Question 40

In which country  is the EU headquartered?

A)Belgium
B)France
C)Germany
D)Italy
E)Turkey

Question 41

Explain the pros and cons of regional integration.

Question 42

Compare and contrast EU and NAFTA as regional integration blocs.

Question 43

A(n)________ union is created when member countries of an economic and monetary union work closely with one another to arrive at common defense and foreign policies and behave as a single country.

Question 44

Venezuela became a member of MERCOSUR in July 2012 and is considered a key member because of its

A)low tax rates and absence of tariffs.
B)large population of educated, highly skilled workers.
C)vast energy resources and significant domestic market.
D)high-tech economy, the most advanced in South America.
E)long history of political and economic  stability.

Question 45

The process of allowing efficient geographic distribution of business activities within and among countries refers to _______.

Question 46

Implementation of a multitude of economic and/or political steps by member states to increase their global competitiveness, including preferential trade access refers to _______.

Question 47

A(n)________ is formed when members of a common market agree to implement common social programs and coordinated macroeconomic policies that would lead to the creation of a single regional currency and a regional apex central bank.

Question 48

The Treaty of Montevideo created _____.

A)the EU
B)ASEAN
C)LAFTA
D)NAFTA
E)MERCOSUR

Question 49

A ______ (or single)market is formed when member countries of a customs union remove all barriers to allow the movement of capital and labor within the customs union.

Question 50

Some argue that Asia may become the most important free trade region for this century. Do you agree? Explain.

Question 51

NAFTA is a free-trade agreement among Canada, the United States, and _____.

Question 52

The Treaty of ______ in 1957 established the European Economic Community (EEC).

Question 53

Of the following, which is NOT true about the future of ASEAN?

A)ASEAN's Vision 2020 calls for aggressive outward-looking economic policies.
B)Several bilateral Free Trade Agreements are currently being implemented.
C)A growing ASEAN concern is the economic ascendancy of North Korea.
D)The ASEAN-Japan Comprehension Economic Partnership agreement covers trade in goods, services, and investment and economic cooperation.
E)The ASEAN Australian-New Zealand FTA was signed in February 2009.

Question 54

If you are hired as an advisor for countries interested in regional integration, what would be your recommendation for the appropriate approach for these countries? Explain.

Question 55

​As a means to push NAFTA south of Mexico, the Bush administration began free-trade talks with all of the following countries EXCEPT

A)​Costa Rica.
B)​Honduras.
C)​the Dominican Republic.
D)​Haiti.
E)​Nicaragua.

Question 56

With the anticipated success of NAFTA, formal discussions to establish a Free Trade Area of the Americas began under the _____ administration.

A)Obama
B)Bush
C)Clinton
D)Reagan
E)Carter

Question 57

A(n)________ is an area in which two or more countries agree to eliminate all barriers to trade such as tariffs, quotas, and non-tariff barriers like border restrictions, while at the same time keeping their own external tariffs (within WTO guidelines)against nonmembers.

Question 58

A group of free trade member countries that have adopted a common external tariff with nonmember countries refers to ______.

Question 59

The study of principles that govern the efficient spatial allocation of economic resources and the resulting consequences refers to _____.

Question 60

Describe briefly the form and stages of regional integration.

Question 61

Given that SGC's home country, the United States, is part of a regional integration bloc that is based on purely economic goals, benefits to these countries would include all but which one of the following?  

A)Increase the global competitiveness of each member
B)Surrender of sovereignty of each member
C)Provide a free trade area for the members
D)Eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers to trade for the members
E)Provide for the creation of a larger pool of consumers for the members

Question 62

The regional bloc affecting Lynette

A)has abolished tariffs and quotas among members.
B)uses a common currency among members.
C)allows for the free movement of labor among members.
D)uses a common language for trade among members.
E)has not eliminated nontariff barriers among members.

Question 63

Which of the following is not a free trade policy impacting Sarten Gas Company?  

A)Phased elimination of all trade barriers
B)Protection of intellectual property
C)Stringent immigration policies
D)Environmental protection standards
E)Protection of workers' rights

Question 64

Which one of the following is not considered a main objective of the regional bloc affecting Lynette?  

A)To accelerate economic growth
B)To increase cultural development in the region
C)To encourage regional peace
D)To diminish relationships with major powers
E)To promote stability through the rule of law

Question 65

Scenario - The Lynnette Company The Lynette Company was founded in 1982 by Solomon and Andrea Lynette.  It is currently based in Jakarta, Indonesia and plans to remain in the region due to the potential for continued market growth.  The company provides modern office equipment to customers throughout Southeast Asia and has watched a steady rise in need for its products. Last year, Lynette grossed over five million dollars in sales.  It anticipates gross sales to more than double this year.  The Lynette Company is pleased by the ample supply of workers from the local region available to help the company.  The owners realize this area of the world has the potential to become an important global market. Which one of the following would most likely set guidelines for the Lynette Company to follow as it conducts its business in Southeast Asia?      

A)European Union
B)NAFTA
C)ASC
D)MERCOSUR
E)ASEAN

Question 66

The Lynette Company's plan to continue its operations within the Asia market offers many benefits as well as challenges.  Which one of the following would provide the least degree of challenge for the stability of this company's business operations?

A)Development of a free trade agreement with China
B)The economic rise of China  
C)Ability to tap China's declining business market
D)Job loss prevention through a free trade agreement with China
E)Ability to tap China's growing consumer market

Question 67

Scenario - Sarten Gas Company Established in Salt Lake City, UT in 1975, the Sarten Gas Company (SGC)has grown to be a recognized name in the industry.  Since its inception, this company has been able to withstand serious economic downturns in the economy.  It has been able to remain financially stable when many others in the industry have struggled with financial losses.  The expertise and knowledge of its leaders has led the SGC to be one of the few companies in the industry able to report continued growth. This excellent track record has inspired the owners of SGC into embracing the idea of expansion.  Sarten plans to begin trading with Canada this year and plans to include trading with Mexico within the next three years.  The leaders of Sarten Gas feel confident these new trade deals will prove successful for the company and its shareholders. Which one of the following represents a trade agreement most likely to impact the Sarten Gas Company and its proposed trading partners?  

A)NAFTA
B)ASC
C)ASEAN
D)CAFTA
E)NATO