• TRADE AND INVESTMENT PUBLICATIONS
• SELECTED WORLDWIDE WEBSITES

Bound and tied: the developmental impacts of industrial trade liberalisation negotiations at the World Trade Organisation. 2005. Available online (PDF-Format, 34 pages, 923 Kb). Action Aid International.
This report explores global trade negotiations in the Doha Round, in particular current negotiations on non-agricultural market access (NAMA). It argues that it is the short term commercial interests of northern based industrial exporters, and not development, that are guiding rich countries in the NAMA negotiations. It states that the EU and the United States of America consistently claim that significant reductions in barriers to international trade in industrial and manufactured products would bring clear developmental benefits, yet the historical evidence reveals that developing countries had been hit hard by previous industrial liberalisation. The report therefore urges current NAMA negotiations are halted and the current NAMA negotiating text of July 2004 is rejected. Instead a new negotiating framework should be adopted.
Accessed on 23 February 2006 from
< http://www.actionaid.org.uk/wps/content/documents/WTOreport4.pdf >

Building Blocks or Stumbling Blocks? Regional Cooperation Arrangements in Southeast Asia. Discussion Paper No. 41. December 2005. Available online (PDF-Format, 18 pages, 170.5 Kb). ADB Institute.
This paper examines the inter-relationships between subregionalism, regionalism, and multilateralism using the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) as case studies. In particular, it looks at whether subregionalism or regionalism can assist a country in moving towards multilateralism. The authors find that the GMS program is assisting its members to integrate more closely with the ASEAN region and, through this, with the rest of the world. With regard to AFTA, if members pursue open regionalism and offer their trade and other preferences to nonmembers on a nondiscriminatory basis, then this is consistent with the objectives of multilateralism. The paper argues that for the original ASEAN members, AFTA has actually hastened the speed at which they have moved towards their goal of free trade because of the ambitious liberalization program it has committed them to. The newer ASEAN members should follow suit if they are going to maximize the benefits from liberalization and minimize the costs associated with trade diversion and trade, production, and investment deflection.
Accessed on 24 February 2006 from
< http://www.adbi.org/files/2005.11.dp41.regional.cooperation.seasia.pdf >

Central Asia Human Development Report. January 2006. Available online (PDF-Format, 386 bytes). UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
The Central Asia Human Development Report is to support the countries in Central Asia, their neighbours and their international partners in working towards greater regional cooperation and integration as a means for achieving sustained human development and human security for the people of Central Asia. The report draws together evidence on how people in Central Asia are affected by limited regional cooperation and integration, on the benefits from cooperation and on what is already being done to promote cooperation and the lessons learned.
Accessed on 17 February 2006 from
<http://www.cagateway.org/cahdr/downloads/cahdr_en_all.pdf>

Cost and Benefits of Implementing Trade Facilitation Measures under Negotiations at the WTO: an Exploratory Survey. January 2006. Available online (PDF-Format, 40 pages, 394 Kb). ARTNET Working Paper Series, No.3. UNESCAP.
This publication summarizes the results of a survey on the implementation costs associated with some of the trade facilitation measures (TFMs) under consideration by the WTO Negotiation Group on Trade Facilitation (NGTF). It argues that TFMs to be included in a revision of GATT Articles V, VIII, and X should be selected carefully since cost and time implications for governments differ across measures. The type and extent of technical assistance provided, as well as the amount of flexibility to be given, may depend on the types of costs involved in implementing the various TF measures. The main cost component associated with implementing TFMs may often not be related to regulatory, training, or equipment costs, but to political costs. It is suggested that governments need time flexibility for implementing TFMs with perceived high political costs. Adoption and use of international standards, establishment of enquiry points, trade facilitation committees and online publication of trade regulations and procedures are considered priority measures. The paper also suggests that WTO may need to establish a long-term institutional mechanism to deal with evolving trade facilitation measures and issues.
Accessed on 23 February 2006 from < http://www.unescap.org/tid/artnet/pub/wp306.pdf >

Environment and Trade: A Handbook. 2005. Available online. (PDF-Format, 140 pages, 2581 Kb) UNEP.
This Handbook highlights the relationship between environment and trade. Its primary aim is to foster a broader understanding of these interlinkages to enable Governments to develop practical approaches to integrating policies. It is aimed mainly at those with some knowledge about trade, environment or development. It is also a practical reference tool for policy-makers and practitioners.
Accessed on 22 February 2006 from
<http://www.unep.ch/etb/areas/pdf/envirotrade_handbook_2005.pdf>

From Disintegration to Reintegration: Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union in International Trade. January 2006. Available online (PDF-Format, 440 pages, 2.8 Mb). World Bank.
This study analyzes the evolution of trade in 27 transition countries since the fall of communism. Over the past 10 years, exports have tripled, imports have increased two and one-half times and trade has grown at a faster pace than any other region worldwide. But to take full advantage of greater liberalization, countries must push ahead more strongly on domestic ("behind-the-border") reforms. Without such reforms, two trading blocs will continue to emerge: one faster-reforming, richer group of countries with ties to Western Europe, and a second, slower-reforming, poorer group focused on the Russian Federation.
Accessed on 17 February 2006 from
<http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTECA/Resources/tradereport-complete.pdf>

International Trade Statistics 2005. August 2005. Available online (PDF-Format, 274 pages; 4376KB). WTO.
This report provides comprehensive, comparable and up-to-date statistics on trade in merchandise and commercial services for an assessment of world trade flows by country, region and main product groups or service categories. Some 250 tables and charts depict trade developments from various perspectives and provide a number of long-term time series. Major trade developments are summarized and discussed in the first part of the report under Overview. Detailed trade statistics are provided in Appendix tables.
Accessed on 24 February 2006 from
<http://www.wto.org/english/res_e/statis_e/its2005_e/its2005_e.pdf>

Quantifying the Trade and Economic Effects of Non-tariff Measures. Trade Policy Working Paper No. 28. January 2006. Available online (PDF-Format, 69 pages, 395 Kb). OECD.
This paper reviews the literature of non-tariff measures and assesses the different methods available. Additionally, the paper develops a series of questions to help determine which method of analysis is best given the interests of the researchers or policy makers. The trade costs approach is chosen from the possible avenues of future research. This approach has the potential of shedding new light on the interactions among various policies and practices by assessing which areas offer the greatest potential for gains, and improving the precision of available estimates.
Accessed on 23 February 2005 from
http://webdomino1.oecd.org/olis/2005doc.nsf/43bb6130e5e86e5fc12569fa005d004c/

http://www.unescap.org/tid/artnet/index.asp
Asia-Pacific Research and Training Network on Trade (ARTNeT)
E-mail: artnetontrade@un.org
ARTNeT is an informal and open network of research and academic institutions with an interest in trade and investment policy and facilitation issues. It aims at increasing the amount of quality and relevant trade research in the region by harnessing the research capacity already available and developing additional capacity through regional team research projects, enhanced research dissemination mechanisms and increased interactions between policymakers and researchers, and specific capacity building activities catering to researchers and research institutions from least developed countries. UNESCAP Trade and Investment Division serves as the ARTNeT Secretariat. Core partners of the network include the International Development Research Centre (IDRC, Canada), UNCTAD, UNDP and the WTO. ARTNeT website features a number of resources for trade policy makers and researchers, including a searchable database of trade-related publications issued by research institutions in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as relevant international organizations.
Accessed on 23 February 2006

http://www.asean3.net/about/about.jsp
ASEAN+3 SME Network
The ASEAN+3 SME Network was established by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in collaboration with China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. It works to improve the business relationships for the ASEAN+3 countries with the rest of the world. ASEAN+3 SME Network operates and maintains eTradeShow.org, an e-trade hub that serves as an electronic marketplace, providing trade leads, matchmaking services and more.
Accessed on 22 February 2006

http://www.cerbanet.org
Canada Eurasia Russia Business Association
E-mail: natalia@cerbanet.org
The mission of the Canada Eurasia Russia Business Association (CERBA) is to enhance and support trade, investment and good relations between Canada, Eurasia and the Russian Federation; to advocate and lobby on behalf of CERBA members to Governments on issues of importance to members; to serve as a forum for the exchange of information and views among business and government representatives; to facilitate business development through the provision of services including business assistance, dissemination of information and networking and; to partner with relevant organizations in furthering the common interest of members and involved community. CERBA has a network of four offices located in Calgary, Montreal, Moscow and Toronto.
Accessed on 3 February 2006

http://www.chennaicustoms.gov.in/
Chennai Customs, India
Email: ddcommns@chennaicustoms.org
The major function of Chennai Customs is to realize indirect taxes revenue in a fair, equitable and efficient manner; Chennai Customs administers the Government’s economic, tariff and trade policies; participates and spearheads the Government of India’s export promotion drive; protects revenue; prevents smuggling, evasion of duties and narcotics trade by way of combating commercial frauds and social menace and undertakes enforcement measures on behalf of other government agencies.
Accessed on 21 February 2006

http://www.ecdpm.org/
European Centre for Development Policy Management
E-mail: info@ecdpm.org
The European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM) fosters better trade and aid relations between the European Union and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries with the international policies that govern development between the ACP countries and EU member states. Its mission is to help make these policies work by helping individuals and organizations to build their own capacity, so that these stakeholders are well informed and confident to join negotiations and broker the best possible deals for their countries or communities. It offers a range of resources and expertise for stakeholders to draw on, which are policy-related research and information, capacity-building approaches, hands-on facilitation of dialogue between parties, networking and seminars and conferences.
Accessed on 15 February 2006

http://fibre2fashion.com/
Fibre2fashion.com
Fibre2fashion.com is a business and information platform for the apparel and textile industry. The website provides opportunities to companies looking for brand and product promotion through the use of Internet. Its clients include manufacturers, trade fair organizers, software solution providers, logistic companies and other companies looking for a global penetration. The website is designed to be of use for research analysts; investors; manufacturers; traders; importers and exporters; purchase personnel; and marketing personnel of ready made garments, textile and allied industries like fibres, yarn, fabric, machineries, dyes and finished goods.
Accessed on 24 February 2006

http://www.evsiad.org/V2/Lang/En/Pg/AssociationNews/Mla/3
Home Textile Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association, Turkey
Email: info@hometex.org
The Home Textile Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association works to promote Turkey in the world home textiles market. It provides up-to-date business information; assists in establishing companies; organizes conferences, panels, symposiums and exhibits and monitors the development and innovation in the sector on an international level. It further provides communication facility in electronic environment; helps members to communicate by benefiting from this facility; announces market demands from both domestic and overseas; creates e-commerce opportunities for its members and operates trading and leasing business. The Association also facilitates and encourages the foundation of cooperatives and regularly exchanges information and cooperates with other associations and organizations.
Accessed on 22 February 2006

http://www.gafta.com/
The Grain and Feed Trade Association
Email: AnneNistad@gafta.com
The Grain and Feed Trade Association (GAFTA) is an international trade association for companies involved in trading grain, feed stuffs, pulses and rice at all stages of the supply chain from production to consumption. It has over 1000 members in 80 countries. It provides regular trade policy updates and other information services; standard forms of contract; training and professional development; dispute resolution services; as well as detailed listings of all members, newsletters and other useful services.
Accessed on 22 February 2006.

http://www.iffo.net/
The International Fishmeal and Fish oil Organisation
E-mail: secretariat@iffo.org.uk
The International Fishmeal and Fish oil Organisation (IFFO) is an international non-profit organization which represents fishmeal and fish oil producers and related trades throughout the world. It has more than 180 members and associate members in 34 countries and represents two-thirds of world production plus 95 per cent of exports of fishmeal and fish oil worldwide. IFFO's goal is to act on behalf of the fishmeal and fish oil producers and their trade associates in order to strengthen the global standing of the fishmeal and fish oil industry, while ensuring sustainable future supplies worldwide. IFFO's core values include a commitment to quality and best practice, animal health, welfare and productivity, human health and nutrition and responsible management of feed grade fisheries. Its duties include providing up to date information on production of fishmeal and fish oil; analysing and reporting on changes in market conditions and informing members of trade opportunities; advising on processing techniques and quality control to maximise yields, minimise waste and maintain the high nutritional value of the raw fish material and advising on environmental issues and defending the image of the pelagic fishing industry.
Accessed on 22 February 2006

http://www.ibbm.com.pg/mcc.htm
The Microfinance Competence Centre (MCC), Papua New Guinea
Email: info@ibbm.com.pg
The Microfinance Competence Centre (MCC) provides extensive training and development services in banking, finance, business and management throughout Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region. The purpose of MCC is to improve competence throughout the microfinance industry. MCC consists of four units: Training Unit; Marketing Development Unit; Industry Services Unit and Monitoring and Financing Unit.
Accessed on 22 February 2006

Information is taken mainly from secondary sources and UNESCAP accepts no responsibility for its accuracy. Mention of any companies and their products does not imply endorsement by the United Nations.

The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.