Some Aspects of Recent Trade Developments in South-East Europe

This paper aims to provide some insight into the changing potential of trade for the south-east European countries, including Turkey. The study presents a comprehensive analysis of changes in south-east European trade flows over the past ten years (1995-2004) and investigates the region’s factor endowments. It also draws attention to policy measures aimed at addressing challenges in the increasingly competitive global economy. On most of these issues the study draws a comparison with the pre-accession experience of the new EU member countries from eastern Europe (EU-8). The study stresses the importance of openness to trade for the economic development of the region and the need to work together within cooperative arrangements.