Future fragmentation processes : effectively engaging with the ascendency of global value chains

Leveraging the power of trade to expand formal employment opportunities, general greater value addition, assist diversification processes and develop productive capabilities is an aspiration of all Commonwealth governments. These objectives were conveyed clearly at the Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting convened in March 2017. There are areas of mutual interest and where enhanced co-ordination between member countries could enhance trade gains. because the ability to transmit tacit knowledge through Commonwealth trade, finance and investment networks is inherent in the trade cost advantage shared by members - which exists without formal collaboration - it suggests the sharing of already known best practice could further enhance the gains from more concerted action. In order to engage effectively with contemporary trade, which manifests as global value chains (GVCs), it is incumbent on governments to better understand corporate strategies. In this publication, as well as taking stock of past performance, we reflect on potential dynamics and future fragmentation processes. The chapters collated in this publication provide for a more careful examination of the GVCs within which our members specialize across the spectrum of manufacturing, services, commodity trade,within the oceans economy. An inductive approach is adopted which involved learning from experiences across the Commonwealth of existing GVC participation, in view of our membership comprising a majority of small states, 45 oceans states and around one-fifth Least Developed Countries