Trade beyond Doha: Prospects for Asia-Pacific Least Developed Countries, Studies in Trade and Investment 76

Focusing on the Least Developed Countries located in the Asia-Pacific region, the study explores the impact of different approaches available to the LDCs and their partners in improving their developmental prospects through enhanced trade. The monograph starts with the presentation of trade related data of the 14 LDCs in Asia and the Pacific and the linkage between trade and economic development. Then the problematique of market access is analyzed, followed by a study of the increasing protectionist measures faced by LDCs during the recent crisis. In addition, reciprocal trade liberalization policies (bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral) are explored from various perspectives in order to better understand their differences, interaction and impact on LDCs and more developed countries. The latter is estimated in an econometric exercise using a gravity model. Finally, possible options to improve the capacity of LDCs to tap their trade potential and integrate more effectively into the global economy are discussed, including Aid for Trade.