To stimulate trade and promote growth, a growing number of countries are seeking to liberalize their trade. Free trade agreements and regional economic integration have recently become priorities on the national agenda of many countries. The Pacific region is no exception. In “Australian Beef, Cheese Favored in Trade Deals with Japan, Korea,” an article published on Bloomberg.com, Australia has reached an agreement with Japan and Korea to boost its exports of beef, tomatoes and canned goods and iron ores, in exchange for lower customs duties. on the importation of Japanese and Korean cars. Australia described the trade deal as a "major boon" for Australian beef, the country's largest agricultural export to Japan. Japanese and Korean automakers also welcomed the deal. This trade agreement is part of the trade liberalization effort that is making the world flat. According to readings of "The World is Flat: A Brief History of the 21st Century", written by author Peter Begley, the removal of trade barriers allows easy access to local markets in various countries. Friedman describes it uniquely by referring to the fall of the Berlin Wall as a global democratic shift toward market economies. Bloomberg's article on Australia-Japan trade deals relates to this week's reading by highlighting the beneficial side of boosting bilateral trade. Australia, one of the world's top ten beef producing countries, would benefit from "new duty-free access". in the Japanese market. Similarly, Japan, the world's largest auto producing country, can tap into an emerging market in the South Pacific. Consumers in both countries can also enjoy cheaper beef and cars. However, globalization also has a bad side. As the article explains "On the wrong side of the street... middle of paper... - a winning solution so that everyone can benefit equally from the best deal, and not just serve the rich at the expense of the others. Unless it is grounded in the ethics of international business practices, the TPP cannot guarantee long-term sustainable growth. The main takeaway from this article is the enormous effect that free trade has on the local economies involved. Examining the TPP negotiation process and its controversies helped me understand the astonishing impacts that globalization has on our daily lives. Thanks to free trade and globalization, I can buy clothing and consumer electronics at a lower price. However, for free trade to be successful, it must create a synergy in which all parties involved could prosper by feeding off each other. This article convinced me that without a mutually nurturing strategy, economic integration through free trade cannot succeed..