It is often argued that, ethically, resource rents should accrue to all citizens. Yet in reality the rents from exploiting national resources are often concentrated in the hands of a few. If resource rents were to be taxed, on the other hand, substantial amounts of public money could be raised...

The recent increase in the world price of primary commodities has brought back to the forum the issue of the role of natural resources in the development process. Whilst improving terms of trade may help developing countries to grow faster in the short run, doubts still exist on the long-run...