In this paper we estimate gravity models to see whether trade volumes of countries in the MENA region are significantly … show that the variables used in standard gravity models cannot explain a significant part of MENA's trade performance … inefficiencies in customs clearance processes, are important in explaining the MENA region's underperformance in trade. …

and began to integrate rapidly with the world economy. With the country’s recent accession to the World Trade Organization …

The current round of multilateral trade negotiations-the Doha Round-presents an opportunity for countries to reap the … benefits of trade liberalization. Unfortunately, a number of misconceptions about the likely impact of trade reforms has, in …) developing countries have much to gain from their own trade liberalization; (ii) preference erosion could be significant for some …

€™ trade policies and their development strategies. However, although greater trade openness promises faster growth for poor …Efforts to liberalize world trade are increasingly focusing on strengthening the links between low-income countriesâ …

This paper analyzes the effects of trade openness on budget balances by distinguishing the effects of natural openness … from those of trade-policy induced openness. Using the GMMsystem estimator, the econometric analysis focuses on 66 … developing countries during 1974-98. The results show that trade openness increases a country's exposure to external shocks …

account more vulnerable, penalizing exports and making imports dearer. After reviewing the "old" and "new" view on current … deficits; (ii) they run budget surpluses; (iii) the terms of trade improve; (iv) they are less open; and (v) GDP growth … declines. Monetary policy, financial development, per capita GDP, and the de jure exchange rate classification matter less …

This paper analyzes export performance in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) using a gravity model applied to … panel data. It addresses two questions: (i) are there significant unexploited export markets for the MENA region?; and (ii … countries are substantially underexploiting the United States as an export market. Moreover, the impact of integration efforts …