Study on the GTI's Legal Transition to an International Organization

Policy Analysis 25-01 | Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) | Published February 24, 2026

Authors: Jangho Choi, Heeseon Lee, Jung-kyun Rhee (KIEP); Lyu Hongjun (China Association of International Trade); Tseveennamjil Damiran (National Development Institute of Mongolia); Nikita Moguchev (Russian Foreign Trade Academy)

This study examines the necessity and feasibility of the Greater Tumen Initiative (GTI)'s transition into an international organization and proposes a practical roadmap for its legal and institutional transformation. The study was prepared by the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) research team, incorporating comments and reference inputs from Research Institutions Network (RIN) partner institutions and relevant government ministries.

The study draws on comparative analysis of regional cooperation frameworks such as APEC, ACMECS, CAN/CAF, and ADB, and was produced through joint research with participating institutions of the GTI Research Institutions Network, drawing together member states' positions on the legal transition question.

The full report is available for download below.