This study presents a survey of issues and concerns raised in the WTO's Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade, with particular emphasis on discussions related to agro-food products. It thereby aims to provide background information on TBT-related activities during the period 1995- 2001. The...

The HIPC Initiative requires countries receiving debt relief to undertake a Poverty Reduction Strategy programme involving elements of trade policy reform. This study reviews country experiences with respect to the impact of reforms of trade and trade-related policies on economic performance,...

A reduction of trade barriers will influence the overall scale of agricultural activities, the structure of agricultural production in different countries, the mix of inputs and outputs, the production technology, and the regulatory framework. These adjustments, in turn, will impact on the...

There is a considerable body of analysis available that aims to quantify the economic and trade effects of textile and clothing market liberalisation. A number of analysts at national and international institutions have provided their assessments. Different tools and approaches have thereby been...

Trade transaction costs (TTCs) related to border procedures vary depending on the efficiency and integrity of interacting businesses and administrations, the characteristics or kind of goods, and the size and type of businesses. Total costs may be seen as being composed of directly incurred...

In addition to generating commodity outputs, agricultural production activities affect water, air, and soil quality, influence eco-systems and biodiversity, and shape rural landscapes. Many of these environmental effects exhibit the characteristics of negative or positive externalities or public...

This document presents a descriptive overview of issues related to trade and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, as observed during the implementation of the SPS Agreement. It aims to provide background information on activities in the WTO's SPS Committee during the period 1995-2001,...