In: Economics
Q9) Please define economic integration. Is economic integration just about economics?
Economic integration is the method of integrating economies through the process of removal or reduction of taxes and tariffs and promotion of free trade. Here in case of economic integration, the policies of various states have to be unified in a manner that benefits everyone.
Consumers in all states will get the benefit by means of lower prices of goods and services. The only loss comes for the governments and various entities by the reduction or removal of tariffs which forms a major part of their revenue.
Economic integration is not just about economics but there are other reasons as well. Political reasons are also a major contributor like in case of international treaties and conventions where integration of economies are an agenda.
Eg : Treaties by European Union
Also, it helps in boosting the productivity of states and export promotion which helps in increasing GDP of states.
The drawback of economic integration is that it reduces the sovereignty of states by being an open territory in case of trade and that may cause trouble from nationalist sentiments.