REGIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS AND THEIR IMPACT ON EXPORT FIRMS

The purpose of this study is to examine important dimensions related to regional trade cooperation that range from facilitation measures to trade barriers and the implications of these in Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs). In particular, the study explores some of the implications of RTAs on the business community in Fiji, with a special focus on exporters. This paper has adopted a triangulation method that incorporates the use of survey research, interviews and descriptive statistics. The findings of the research highlight that the vast majority of firms also do not utilise the free trade provisions laid out in RTAs and very few felt the relevance of these RTAs in terms their exports. The results reveal that the utilisation of RTAs depends on the support of state institutions related to exporting. Nevertheless, the firms have revealed that they have seen increased competition (post RTA) in the market place.