Trade policy as development policy

Garth Frazer, Johannes Van Biesebroeck, 7 August 2007

Recent research shows that the much-discussed African problems – poor infrastructure, poor public services, etc. – did not stop Africa from boosting its exports when the US lowered it tariffs and limited other subtle trade barriers. Other OECD countries should re-consider their trade policies towards Africa in this light.

The trade policy of OECD governments towards Africa is currently a topic of considerable debate. In Europe, the discussion has focused on the Economic Partnership Agreements. These negotiations, ongoing since 2002, are aimed at refining the trade regime between the European Union and African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries.

Topics: Development, International trade
Tags: Africa, AGOA, Economic Partnership Agreements, trade policy

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Europe, Africa and partnership agreements: in search of a developmental agenda

Peter Draper, 12 August 2007

The EU must finalise trade deals with developing nations by January 2008. Problems abound and EU special interest politics threaten to stand in the way of an outcome supportive to African development needs.

The past five years have seen the European Union (EU) and its former colonies in the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) group locking horns in potentially far-reaching trade and development negotiations.

Topics: Development
Tags: Africa, Economic Partnership Agreements, EU, trade liberalisation