This study explores the potential effects of China's 'One Belt One Road' (OBOR) policy on trade flows in ASEAN countries and China. We use the augmented gravity model of international trade and data on ASEAN countries and China from 2000 to 2016. The empirical results show that the coefficient of the OBOR dummy is positive and statistically significant, which implies that this policy benefits both ASEAN countries and China in terms of increased trade flows among these countries. In addition, the coefficients of other control variables, such as a common language, a common border, and distance, have the expected signs, and all are statistically significant. Thus, the OBOR policy initiative could be a promising mechanism for trade facilitation in these countries in the years to come.

Investment in mining projects involves significant uncertainty. Project investment is usually high risk, irreversible and challenged by major economic factors. Mining commodity prices in particular always show greater volatility than any other primary product industries. The variation of these prices is critical in the investment decision of whether the project should go ahead, be abandoned or be delayed. This paper examines the impact of mineral price uncertainty on mining investment decisions using examples of projects in the Asia-Pacific region. Applying the mean reversion (MR) model, the commodity trigger value for investment decisions in each project is determined in the context of operational flexibilities. The findings indicate it is sometimes better to wait for a more suitable time to invest.

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