THE SECOND-GENERATION ASIAN TIGERS: SPECIFIC POLICIES TO STIMULATE TRADE IN ENVIRONMENTAL GOODS

The five countries considered the Asian Tigers of the second generation, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam, have embarked on ambitious policies to achieve carbon neutrality in the next decades. Among these policies, those influencing trade have the potential to further green their economies. The index of comparative advantage in environmental goods and also trade in environmental goods as a share of total exports indicate that Malaysia is better prepared for export than the other four, while Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam are more inclined towards imports of environmental goods. Even if trade data do not reflect the trade flows of recent years, the available information emphasizes evident progress in the case of Malaysia, as well as new strategies and policies for a sustainable future for all the countries analysed.