Regional trade integration in Asia and Africa: what lessons can be learned?

Asian countries complement each other in terms of providing labour, technologies, different components needed in the manufacturing of products. Competitive and comparative advantages among Asian countries enable them to foster economic integration through trade and investments. Such approach enabled the shift from a more vertical economic model centred on economic monopoly to a more horizontal model with more diverse economic actors with more diverse economic interests and influence. It includes intra-regional trade and capital flows. However, greater regional trade has been possible with the reduction of tariffs between countries to enable movement of goods, labour and capital within Asia. What lessons on regional integration can Africa pick up from Asia?

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