The trade analysis and firm surveys conducted in several African countries in this study highlight an apparent mismatch between government policies and exporters' needs in the provision and use of trade support services. While acknowledging the weaknesses of firms in these countries, the study...

How can the environmental effects of trade liberalisation agreements be assessed ? Are available methodologies sufficiently tuned to current concerns? In order to take stock of the state of the art in assessment methodologies, the OECD organised a two-day technical workshop to focus on past...

The multilateral trading system has delivered successive rounds of trade liberalisation and established mechanisms to protect the interests of trading nations. The result has been growth for those nations that have recognised the importance of openness and established a domestic policy framework...

As trade barriers at the border have fallen through successive trade negotiations, domestic regulation has emerged as a source of residual but potentially significant trade barriers. Recognising the importance of participating in intensified global competition, countries increasingly see...

To what extent are there trade impediments to the transfer and adoption of environmental goods and services? How can these be addressed by global trade negotiations? What is the role of complementary measures in order to ensure "win-win" benefits -- that is promoting both environmental...

Expectations are running high for significant outcomes on the temporary movement of natural persons to supply services - known as mode 4 - in the current WTO services negotiations. Powerful drivers for liberalisation exist, such as increased trade and investment, strengthened global business...