This paper investigates the causes of the phenomenal growth of preferential trade areas (PTAs) in the world economy during recent decades. A political economy analysis suggests that the attraction of PTAs may be due, in large parts, to (a) a preference for manufacturing industry, rather than...

Highlights the important characteristics of current programmes of industrial adjustment in import‐competing industries in the OECD countries, with particular reference to the textiles, clothing, and footwear (TCF) sectors. Assesses the implications of investment subsidies to the TCF sectors...

Highlights the important characteristics of current programmes of industrial adjustment in import-competing industries in the OECD countries, with particular reference to the textiles, clothing, and footwear (TCF) sectors. Assesses the implications of investment subsidies to the TCF sectors for...