East Asia

This paper examines convergence of real GDP per capita in the selected East Asian countries and this relationship with selected Middle East countries during the period 1950-2009. The reason behind this refers to the fact that East Asia countries (including China، Hong Kong، Singapore، Malaysia، Indonesia، Thailand، Japan and South Korea) have been involved in achieving success arising from regional cooperation. On the other hand، the Middle East region has been well-known in producing and exporting oil (Iran، Iraq، Kuwait، Qatar، Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates). However، these countries have had strong relationship whit East Asian countries through trade and investment relations. Overall، the question is whether such strong relationship has led to a reduction in the real per capita gap between the selected countries of the both regions. To find the answer، income departures across countries are evaluated from several panel data unit root tests. We and no evidence supporting the existence of convergence process for the income in the East Asian and Middle East countries. But in each region، convergence within countries can not reject.

Multilateralism deals with cooperation and coordination between countries with the aim of achieving common goals. Multilateralism, especially in the East Asian region, plays an important role in facilitating cooperation and coordination between countries to face challenges and take advantage of common opportunities. This policy helps by forming institutions and mechanisms such as unions and regional institutions, promoting trade and investment, cultural and educational exchanges, and resolving regional and international conflicts. The present article answers the key question; what effect has the process of multilateralism in East Asia had on the policy of looking towards the East of Iran? In response to this question and using the analytical descriptive method, to examine the different approaches and strategies of East Asian countries in creating multilateral institutions such as ASEAN plus three, China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Belt and Road Initiative. which has led to the strengthening of the policy of looking towards the east of Iran, has been discussed. Participation in East Asian multilateralism brings economic opportunities for Iran, access to new resources and markets, strengthening of technology, strengthening of political relations and diplomacy, and interaction with regional actors. These reasons can encourage Iran to play a role in the framework of East Asian multilateralism and develop its relations with the countries of the region. These proposals may include strengthening economic exchanges, establishing political and security cooperation mechanisms, facilitating cultural and educational exchanges, and promoting public diplomacy between the respective countries.