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61. Development and the WTO: Freedom For Who?

Author:
Rafael Rosa Cedro
Publication Date:
06-2015
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
AUSTRAL: Brazilian Journal of Strategy International Relations
Institution:
Postgraduate Program in International Strategic Studies, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
Abstract:
This article explores three distinct analytical approaches that offer insights for reflection on the issue of international trade – comparative advantages, dependency theory and GCC/GVC analyses – as a way of providing a critique of the functioning of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its alleged defense of free trade as an engine for development.
Topic:
International Trade and Finance, Free Trade, and WTO
Political Geography:
Global Focus

62. Capacity Building for the Promotion of Trade and Investment in Africa Challenges and Strategies

Author:
Soumana Sako and George Kararach
Publication Date:
01-2007
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF)
Abstract:
The lack of capacity has hindered Africa from exploiting the investment and trade opportunities offered by the global economy. Most of the constraints and challenges are linked to ineffective policies, poor management systems and frameworks, weak governance, conflicts, HIV/AIDS and the heavy external debt, among others. Despite Africa’s efforts to lifting some of the developmental constraints, African governments should strive to increase their awareness and build their capacity towards the promotion of trade and investments in Africa, and thus ensure their effective participation in the world economy. Following the commitments made to developing countries– dubbed the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) - the promise of additional assistance to developing countries to help them participate, negotiate and implement WTO agreements has not been backed by adequate resources. Given the experience of Africa over the last half century, it is clear that trade reform and openness alone is not sufficient to sustain economic growth and poverty reduction. The WTO and its associated rules and procedures have defined the framework for trade and investment promotion in Africa, as is the case for the ‘Singapore issues’, in terms of investment protection, competition policy, transparency in government procurement and trade facilitation.
Topic:
HIV/AIDS, Debt, Development, Governance, Capacity, WTO, and Doha Development Agenda
Political Geography:
Africa

63. Multilateral Trade negotiations: How Sensibly Must African Countries and Trade Negotiators Stand? - Some Lessons from WTO Experience

Author:
Tadeous T. Chifamba
Publication Date:
01-2007
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF)
Abstract:
It is generally acknowledged that Africa’s participation in Multilateral Trade Negotiations (MTNs) improved both quantitatively and qualitatively since the launch of the Uruguay Round (UR). This is not to say that African negotiators have reached the same levels of preparedness and sophistication as their counterparts in the developed countries. A number of challenges still remain and some of them relate to capacity constraints in understanding the negotiations subjects / agenda due to lack of relevant training, lack of adequate economic and trade data and poor knowledge of the negotiations structure, all of which impact negatively on overall negotiation strategy. It is important to note that prior to the Uruguay Round, MTNs were seen as a preserve of the developed countries, whilst developing countries were marginal to the negotiations process and were largely recipients of preferential market access and other special differential treatment. No wonder GATT was regarded as a “rich men’s club”.
Topic:
International Trade and Finance, Multilateralism, Negotiation, and WTO
Political Geography:
Africa

64. Looking for Facts in the GATS Attack: Impacts on Social Service Sovereignty

Author:
Katherine Walraven
Publication Date:
05-2006
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Public and International Affairs (JPIA)
Institution:
School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA), Princeton University
Abstract:
This paper investigates the implications of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) for members’ regulatory sovereignty over social services. It presents the moderate view that, while some of the outcomes envisioned by those opposed to the agreement are unlikely, they are not impossible and there is therefore some cause for concern. Legal ambiguities and gaps in the GATS undermine how both civil society and World Trade Organization (WTO) members perceive it, limiting its credibility and future scope. The essay concludes with recommendations aimed at improving the reliability and credibility of the agreement in order to increase the degree of trade occurring under its purview.
Topic:
Sovereignty, Trade, Social Services, and WTO
Political Geography:
Global Focus

65. Reforming the Cotton Trade Order? An Analysis of Cotton Subsidies and Implications for Sustainable Development

Author:
Christine M. Makori
Publication Date:
05-2005
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Public and International Affairs (JPIA)
Institution:
School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA), Princeton University
Abstract:
Cotton is the most widely produced cash crop in the developing world. It supports the livelihoods of numerous households in these countries and occupies a significant position both economically and politically. However, in the recent past, this sector has experienced a pricing crisis mainly attributed to subsidies of developed nations. This article analyzes the effects of cotton subsidies (the most controversial agricultural commodity in the ongoing trade negotiations) on sustainable development, focusing on the impacts of U.S. subsidies on four West African countries. Given that these support systems have political motivations, the article briefly surveys political challenges to subsidy reforms. In conclusion, the article makes specific recommendations to the WTO and national governments to promote free trade, enhance economic efficiency, and support the global fight against poverty.
Topic:
Sustainable Development Goals, Trade, WTO, Subsidies, and Cotton
Political Geography:
Africa, West Africa, and United States of America