The results from this study provide some policy recommendations as follows. Global trade liberalization is needed to maximize the positive effects expected from the global value chains. East Asian countries also need to harmonize the border measures including standards, SPS, and TBT which are expected to facilitate global value chains in the region. The liberalization of services such as distribution, finance, and business services among others are also expected to contribute to efficient movement of goods and materials in the intra- and inter-region trade. Specifically, the East Asian countries need to harmonize the intra-regional bilateral FTAs to reduce the so-called noodle bowl effects.