If the country has a very large population, then it can create its own separate economic zone. To do this, it needs to develop its industry and agriculture as much as possible, as well as stimulate domestic demand. Over time, it will become a regional power (and possibly a leading world power).
A country with a small population should enter, on mutually beneficial terms, into an economic zone centered on a country with a large population. Such a country should fit into the chain of cooperation with other countries.
No country can exist alone.
At the same time, countries with large populations have a chance to become the center of the economic zone.
Countries with small populations have no such chance.