导读
根据RCEP《原产地规则》要求，开展原产货物认定合作及能力建设、《卫生与植物检疫措施》落实和数字化转型将是两国未来合作的潜在领域
●RCEP强化东盟区域合作中心地位
●拓宽市场准入 扩大合作领域
11月15日，15个国家正式签署了区域全面经济伙伴关系协定(RCEP)，这一全球最具发展潜力的自由贸易区的启动，对于疫情影响下的区域经济复苏，以及各成员国协同发展将发挥什么作用？在协定框架下，缅甸为落实协定将采取哪些措施？两国如何实现优势互补，共同发展？12月23日，缅甸驻华大使苗丹佩（H.E U Myo Thant Pe）就上述问题接受本刊采访。
RCEP强化东盟区域合作中心地位
《中国投资》：在新冠肺炎疫情对全球经济的影响以及单边主义和贸易保护主义兴起的背景下，您如何看待此次协议的签署？
该协议的达成向世界发出了一个强烈的信号，那就是该地区将继续致力于维持一个基于规则的多边贸易体系。在单边主义和贸易保护主义盛行的背景下，签署国将特别强调包容性和可持续发展，加大后疫情时代经济复苏的力度。
缅甸也受到新冠肺炎疫情严重影响，我相信，签署这一协定后，以下变化将会促进疫情后的经济复苏：
（1）全球市场对缅甸的产品需求将会加大；
（2）缅甸中小微企业将采取更多现代化营商策略；
（3）迎接数字化转型；
（4）创造有利于投资环境的激励机制。
《中国投资》：RCEP对区域经济发展将发挥哪些作用？在贸易规则与模式方面将对全球经济产生什么重要影响？
RCEP将通过在缔约方同意更新或超越其规定的某些领域中完善世界贸易组织的改革进程，朝着建立理想的全球贸易和投资规则框架迈出重要一步。它充分代表了本地区商业界对以规则为基础的多边贸易体系的信任。签署RCEP协定，可将其影响扩大到亚太区域之外。
《中国投资》：RCEP成员国之间进行合作的优势是什么？作为世界上最大的自由贸易区，未来将面临哪些挑战？如何应对？
苗丹佩（U Myo Thant Pe）：RCEP建立在现有的东盟10+1自由贸易协定基础上，旨在加强经济联系，促进贸易投资，并推动缔约方之间的经济合作。预计RCEP落地后，将在20年内逐步放开或取消关税，并旨在降低非关税措施，确保改善缔约方之间的货物和服务的市场准入。例如，RCEP的一项主要成就是统一了“原产地规则”，这为企业管理整个区域的供应链提供了更大程度的确定性和一致性。
覆盖22亿人口，总产值达26.2万亿美元，预计在未来十年内，RCEP将为全球经济增加2,000亿美元，并为成员经济体的GDP增加0.2%。
RCEP由区域内发达、发展中和最不发达经济体组成，缔约方之间的发展差距一直是谈判以来的挑战之一。然而，条约本身考虑到了缔约方之间不同的发展水平，为最不发达成员国提供了特殊和差别待遇，并提供了更大的灵活性，这将极大解决各国发展之间的差距。
与20年内取消关税相比，另一个潜在的挑战是使用非关税措施来保护各成员国的市场。缅甸当地的制造商和中小企业也将受到RCEP中市场准入自由化的威胁。然而，缅甸进行了一些过渡期的准备，以帮助我们的贸易相关部门提高其能力建设水平，以及帮助当地企业和中小微企业提高自身竞争力。
目前，我们正在开展本地和区域内中小微企业之间的合资项目，以扩大其增值能力，进入全球价值链。政府还将努力充分利用RCEP中的投资和服务章节，支持本地中小微企业。此外，在签署RCEP之前，缅甸已经实施了一系列新的法律（如商标和知识产权、竞争法），RCEP将有助于支持缅甸在这些领域的进展。
⬆ 中国援缅甸抗疫医疗专家组2020年4月22日结束在缅为期两周的工作乘机回国，缅甸卫生和体育部医学研究司司长佐丹吞（前排右二）等前往仰光机场送行（新华社发 亨曼摄）
《中国投资》：RCEP的签署将对中国和缅甸的经济发展产生哪些积极影响？为了落实协定，缅甸采取了哪些政策措施？
苗丹佩（U Myo Thant Pe）：自2002年和2004年，缅甸和中国分别签订《中国—东盟全面经济合作框架协议》和《东盟—中国货物贸易协议》以来，两国正不断改善贸易关系。中国是缅甸最大的贸易伙伴，也是缅甸多年来最大的投资来源地。在东盟—中国合作框架下，缅甸在2018年取消了关税细目中的85.8%项目的关税，中国自2012年起也取消了94.4%项目的关税。在RCEP框架下，两国有望在现有的FTA之外，扩大更多的市场准入和获取更大利益。
缅甸签订RCEP，将使其独特、受欢迎的出口产品更有机会进入更大的市场，即中国、日本和韩国这些充满活力的区域市场。
中国作为缅甸的邻国，更有会充分利用我们优越的地理位置，连接东西方——将中国市场与全球经济联系起来。此外，RCEP下统一的“原产地规则”，也将促使中国在缅甸的投资与全球市场接轨。
在政策措施方面，我们制定了《缅甸可持续发展计划》（以下简称MSDP），一个长期的战略规划，规划了我们的发展重点。RCEP与我们的MSDP高度契合，包括承诺确保缅甸的私营部门能够充分利用新的市场条件和机会。至于贸易相关问题，我们制定了《国家出口战略》（以下简称NES），一个指导国家贸易发展，提高缅甸出口竞争力的详细框架和决策工具。
苗丹佩（U Myo Thant Pe）：所周知，RCEP是一个现代、全面、高质量和互利的协定，它不仅服务当前，更为面向未来。我们希望，在全球经济面临巨大挑战之时，RCEP能够为该区域提供更大的长期确定性。RCEP应该是其他新兴经济体加快区域一体化计划的推进器。这将通过建立牢固稳定、运作良好、基于规则的贸易体系，保持全球贸易和投资的多边主义精神。
缅甸和中国一直在许多倡议中开展合作，如中缅经济走廊（CMEC），包括一些支持缅甸和中国之间的连接的基础设施项目建设。我们还有其他合作机制，如《中国—东盟全面经济合作框架协议》、南北经济走廊发展以及其他双边经济合作。RCEP将加强缅甸与中国之间现有的所有倡议，此外，根据RCEP经济技术合作协定中的规定，缅甸将从中国以外的更多国家，如澳大利亚、日本和新西兰获得能力建设和技术援助。
此外，根据RCEP《原产地规则》一章要求，开展原产货物认定合作及能力建设、《卫生与植物检疫措施》落实和数字化转型将是两国未来合作的潜在领域。
RCEP Expands Connotations of Myanmar-China Cooperation
November 15, 15 countries officially signed the Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP). As the world’s most promising
free trade agreement, what kind of roles will it play in the recovery of
the regional economy under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well
as in the synergistic development among member countries? What measures
will Myanmar take to implement the agreement under the framework of the
agreement? On December 23, H.E U Myo Thant Pe, Myanmar’s Ambassador to
China, accepted an interview on these issues with China Investment.
China Investment: What do you think of the significance of the signing of the
agreement In the context of the current impact of the new crown
pneumonia epidemic on the global economy and the rise of u nilateralism
and trade protectionism?
U Myo Thant Pe: RCEP
is regarded as the largest free trade agreement forming with the 10
ASEAN member states together wlth its existing FTAs, namely,Australia,
China, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.
It s also the most important trade agreement since the creation of World Trade
Organization i n 1994.
What makes RCEP significant Is that the timing of the deal sends the strong
signal to the world that the region retains its commitment to maintain a
rule-based multilateral trading system.
Againstthe backdrop of unllateral reward and retaliation, the signatories
would specifically stress the Inclusive and sustainable development by
reinforcing the trend of handling the economic recovery of the pandemic
as well.
As we are one of the countries with adverse impact on economy because of
CDVID·19, we believe Myanmar's participation in the RCEP would
contribute Myanmar's post cOVID 19 recovery in following wavs;
(ii) Myanmar MSMEs to adopt more modem business practices;
{Iii) Embracing the digital transformation;
(iv) Creating the Incentive for enabling investment environment; etc.
China Investment: What are the driving effects of the RCEP agreement on
regional economic development? What Important impact will It have on
global economii; and trade rules and patterns?
U Myo Thant Pe: It
Is noted that RCEP Is the most ambitious free trade agreement initiated
by ASEAN which contributes to enhancing ASEAN centrality and
strengtheni ng ASEAN cooperation with regional partners.
Asa modern, comprehensive, high-quality and mutually beneflclal
agreement, RCEP Includes areas and disciplines that were not previously
covered in the existing FTAs. Aside from the specific provisions on
trade and investment, RCEP takes into consideration changing and
emerging trade realities, including the future-oriented provisions llke
e-commerce and non-trade matter such as intellectual property,
government procurement iilnd safeguard measures.
will serve as an important step towards an Ideal framework of global
trade and investment rules by complementing the World Trade Organization
reform process in certain areas that the Parties have agreed to update
or go beyond Its provlslons. It represents the region's achievement to
retain the trust of business community on the rule-based multilateral
trading system. The sentiment of creating the RCEP Agreement will extend
its effect beyond Asia-Pacific region.
China Investment:
What are the advantages of cooperation among RCEP member states? As the
world's largest free trade wne,what are the challenges In the future?
How to respond?
U Myo Thant Pe: RCEP
was built upon the existing ASEAN+l FTAs wlth the spirit to strengthen
economic linkages and to enhance trade and investment as well as to
advance the economic cooperation among the Parties.
RCEPis expected to progressively liberalize or eliminate the tariff within
20 years and also aimed at lowering the nonctariff measures securingthe
improved market access for goods and services among the Parties.
Forexample,a key achievement of RCEP is harmonization of "rules of origin"
which provides business a greater level of certainty and consistency in
managing their supply chains across the region.
Covering 2.2 billion people with a comblned GOP of USD 26.2 trillion, RCEP Is
expected to add as much as USD 200 billion to the global economy and an
additional 0.2% to the GDP of member economies over the comlng decade.
As RCEP comprises a diverse mix of developed, developing and least
developed economies of the region, development gap among the Parties has
been one of the challenges since negotiations. However, the treaty
itself considers the different levels of development among the Parties
by providing the least developed member states the special and
differential treatment, and additional flexibility which would address
the trigger of development gap.
As against the elimination of tariff in 20 years, another potential
challenge would be the use of Non-Tariff Measures to protect the
respective market of each Member State. Local manufacturers and SMEs in
Myanmar would also be threatened from the Market Access liberalization
of RCEP Agreement.
However,as
Myanmar gets some transitional period for preparation to make sure our
trade related departments improve their capacity building as well as the
local businesses and MSMEs enhance their competitiveness.
We have currently ongoing joint venture projects between local and
regional MSMEs to expand their value·added capacity ln order to enter
the global value chains. The Government will also try the best use of
investment and services chapter of the RCEP agreement with a view to
support the local MSMEs In doing so.
been Implemented In the leadup to the RCEP's signing,and RCEP Is likely
to support the continuation of these developments in Myanmar.
⬆ On September 9, 2019, trainees from 16 countries including Myanmar
receive training in Hainan on agricultural knowhow such as disease and
pest control technology for tropical plants, fresh keeping after
harvest, and agro-product quality and safety. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)
China Investment:
What positive effects will the signing of RCEP have on the economic
development of China and Myanmar? To promote the implementation of the
agreement, what policy measures does Myanmar have?
U Myo Thant Pe: Myanmar
and China already have improving trade ties through ASEAN Chain
Framework Agreement on Comprehens.lve Economic Cooperation and ASEAN-Chi
na Trade In Goods Agreement since 2002 and 2004 respectively.
China is the largest trading partner of Myanmar as well as the largest source of investment flows into Myanmar for many years.
UnderASEAN·China framework, Myanmar has been eliminated the tariff for 85.8%
of all tariff lines in 2018,and also China has been eliminated the
tariff for 94.4% of all tariff lines since 2012. Under RCEP framework,
the two countries are expected to expand more market access and benefits
beyond existing FTA.
Myanmar's participation In RCEP will likely to have opportunity for Myanmar's
unique and In-demand exports to greater market access, the vibrant
regional markets of China, Japan and South Korea.
China, being Myanmar's neighborhood, Is likely to take advantage of our
enviable geographic position linking East and West – connecting China
market to the global economy. Moreover, the unified rules of origin
regulations under RCEP will motivate China's investment in Myanmar to
connect to the global market as well.
As for the policy measures, we have Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan, a
long· term strategic plan ln which our development priorities are
outlined. RCEP is very much in line with our MSDP including a commitment
to ensuring Myanmar's private sector can take full advantage of new
market conditions and opportunities.
Asfor trade related matter, we have National Export Strategy (NES) which
is a detailed framework and decision-making instrument to guide the
country's trade development and boost Myanmar's exports competitiveness.
ForInvestment sector, Myanmar has also developed Myanmar Investment
Promotion Plan to strengthen Myanmar's investment enabling environment
and recently, second review of Myanmar's Investment policy is conducted
with the aim of restructuring and creating an attractive environment for
local and foreign Investor.
in connection with MSOP, Myanmar Economic Recovery and Reform Plan
(MERRP) is also currently under development and soon to be launched for
use In the post COVID-19 period ln order to recover and build back
better of our national economy.
China Investment: How do ycu see the development prospects of RCEP? Under the
RCEP framework, the future of cooperation between the two countries?
U Myo Thant Pe: As
you know the key feature of RCEP is a modern, comprehensive,
high-quality and mutually beneficial agreement,RCEP is an agreement not
made just for today but is also agreement fortomorrow.
The hope is that RCEP wlll provide the region greater long term certainty
amidst a tide of challenges surrounding the global economy. RCEP should
be a decisive incentive to other emerging economies to accelerate the
plans of regional integration. This will retain the spirit of
multllateralism for global trade and investment through a stable,
well-functioning, ru! based trading system.
Myanmar and China has been cooperating in many initiatives such as the China
Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) which includes a number of
infrastructure projects supporting the connectivity between Myanmar and
China. We also have other cooperation mechanism like the framework
Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation between ASEAN and China,
North-South Economic Corridor Development, and other bilateral economic
cooperation.
RCEP will be the reinforcement for all the existing initiatives between
Myanmar and China, Moreover, ln accordance with the provision under
Economic and Technical Cooperation In RCEP Agreement, Myanmar ls likely
to receive the capacity building and technical assistance not only from
China but also from Australia, Japan and New Zealand.
Furthermore, the cooperation and capacity building for the proof of origlri under ROO Chapter, Sanitary and
Phytosanitary Measures and the digital transformation will be the
potential areas of future cooperation between the two countries.
编辑 | 张梅
翻译 | 周佳
设计 | 大米