This paper uses the most recent Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) DB version 9 and a recursive dynamic computable general equilibrium model (CGE) to analyze the economic effect of enhancement in labor productivity that trade liberalization has in the APEC. In particular, unlike the previous studies that apply tariff reduction, this paper focuses on the changes in labor productivity reported by Ahn et al. (2016). The results show an increase in the real GDP of countries with gains in labor productivity. In particular, the results of this study indicate that the benefits of trade liberalization would be even larger for developed countries with a similar level of gains in labor productivity. It is also suggested that the efficiency of production structure or scale of economy may work for developed economies. In conclusion, this paper suggests another reason to pursue trade liberalization within in the APEC region.

Keywords: Labor Productivity, Dynamic CGE Model, Trade Liberalization, Real GDP
 

Executive Summary

Ⅰ. Introduction

Ⅱ. Gains in Labor Productivity from Trade Liberalization

Ⅲ. Economic Effect of Labor Productivity Gain by Trade Liberalization

Ⅳ. Results

Ⅴ. Concluding Remarks

Appendix

References