Economic Paper Series

Documents the effects of the global financial crisis on investment and private sector development in small states. It uses case studies (St Lucia, Vanuatu and Mauritius) to draw lessons from policy responses and propose further support required at both the national and international level to support the private sector through the economic crisis.

Presents quantitative evidence of the effectiveness of aid for trade, the initiative to promote development by providing resources targeted at boosting involvement in international trade by developing countries. This work suggests which types of aid for trade measures are likely to be particularly effective.

This Economic Paper assesses the potential trade effects of rules on procurement policies in Commonwealth ACP countries. It provides a practical guide for policy-makers and negotiators to determine the impact of government procurement rules and policies taken at the national level or negotiated in trade agreements.

This Economic Paper assesses new innovative measures in trade in service negotiations that reflect the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by developing countries. It outlines the approaches that can help small and low-income countries in a manner that is practical and supportive of their economic development.

Using Tanzania as a case study this book shows how different definitions of Aid for Trade lead to different estimates of the amount being delivered. It suggests an alternative simple and practical methodology for recipient countries to classify and quantify it.

Examines three sets of major international institutions: the UN, the World Bank and IMF, and institutions concerned with international environmental governance. This book argues that global concerns have outgrown the existing system and an effective response requires serious multilateral co-operation.

Full participation by small and developing countries in the financial services sector requires a "level playing field". This work analyses debates on this issue between the OECD and small and developing countries, and suggests ways to ensure fairness in international taxation matters.

A report on the CARIFORUM and Pacific ACP Economic Partnership Agreements that analyses the detailed implications for the economies of the countries involved of commitments signed or initialled, including an indication of the broad country and region-wide effects.

This Economic Paper presents the first analyses of the use and effectiveness of Aid for Trade (AfT), the initiative to help developing countries boost their involvement in the global economy. It examines the extent to which SVEs have been able to access AfT funds and to what extent this assistance has helped them to improve their trade performance.

Examines the history of indebtedness, its likely causes in different economies, and prospects for dealing with the debt problem. This book argues that there is a need for a comprehensive international framework to deal with it, covering fiscal discipline in small states themselves, and improved debt recording and debt management.