• TRADE AND INVESTMENT PUBLICATIONS
• SELECTED WORLDWIDE WEBSITES

Food Security in the South Pacific Island Countries with Special Reference to the Fiji Islands. June 2006. Available online (PDF-Format, 22 pages, 102 KB). United Nations University (UNU) and World Institute for Development Economics Research (WIDER).
This paper analyses the status of food security in selected South Pacific Island countries, namely Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu at the national and household levels during the period 1991-2002. It explains that due to narrow resource base and production conditions, Pacific Islands production and exports concentrate on a few primary commodities. During recent years import dependency for food items has increased mainly due to a decline in per capita food production and a rapid rate of rural-urban migration. Currently, export earnings can finance food imports but earnings could fall short of the requirements needed after the expiry of some commodity preferential price agreements with importing countries. The authors explain that national food security is dependent on the continuation of subsistence farming and tapping ocean resources in conjunction with the on-going commercial farming of those crops in which Pacific Islands have a comparative advantage. They argue that increased productivity is crucial for improving agricultural performance, i.e. through Government investment in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension, irrigation and appropriate price incentives. This would also help alleviate poverty for improvement in economic accessibility of food by households. The authors also argue that there is a need to design appropriate disaster risk management programmes to minimize any adverse effects on the food supply.
Accessed on 10 July < http://www.wider.unu.edu/publications/rps/rps2006/rp2006-68.pdf >

Growth and Poverty in Asia: Where Next? June 2006. Available online (PDF-Format, 59 pages, 560 KB). Working Paper 267, Overseas Development Institute (ODI).
This paper analyzes Asia in terms of achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and reviews the challenges that have been successfully addressed in different Asian contexts. It looks at how these lessons might be replicated or adapted elsewhere, how development agencies can support policy change, and what it means for partnerships between them and Governments in the context of the growing stature of Asian countries. The paper identifies six broad areas that offer scope for new policies to accelerate progress against achieving the MDGs: use of resources and energy and the environmental impact of rapid growth; private sector; infrastructure gap; regional disparities, poverty and exclusion; effective service delivery for human development; and Asian-led strategies for improving governance and the effectiveness of State institutions.
Accessed on 10 July < http://www.odi.org.uk/publications/working_papers/WP267.pdf >

Indian Patent Policy and Public Health: Implications from the Japanese Experience. March 2006. Available online (PDF-Format, 17 pages, 284 KB). Institute of Developing Economies (IDE).
This paper argues that the introduction of pharmaceutical product patents in India and other developing countries is expected to have a significant effect on public health and local pharmaceutical industries. The paper draws conclusions from the historical experience of Japan when it introduced product patents in 1976. In Japan, strictly defined patents and promotion of cross-licensing were effective tools to prevent prices from rising disproportionally while ensuring the introduction of new drugs. While today the global pharmaceutical market surrounding India differs considerably from that of the 1970’s, the Japanese experience offers a policy option that may profitably be considered by India today.
Accessed on 6 June < http://www.ide.go.jp/English/Publish/Dp/pdf/057_kubo.pdf >

Institutional Quality, Infrastructure and the Propensity to Export. January 2006. Available online (PDF-Format, 32 pages, 206 KB). World Bank.
In this papers, the authors examine the influence of institutions, geographic context and infrastructure on trade. They are interested in threshold effects, emphasizing cases where bilateral pairs do not trade. Matching bilateral trade and tariff data and controlling for tariff preferences, level of development and distance, the authors find that infrastructure, and to a lesser extent institutional quality, is a significant determinant not only of export levels, but also of the likelihood exports will take place at all. Landlocked countries are influenced by their geography. The authors control for correlation between the general level of income and infrastructure and institutional development, focusing on country deviations from expected institutional and infrastructure development given their income group. The results support the notion that export performance, and the propensity to take part in the trading system at all, depend on institutional quality and access to transport and communications infrastructure.
Accessed on 18 July
< http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTTRADECOSTANDFACILITATION/ >

Rules of Origin: Evolving Best Practices for RTAs/FTAs. January 2006. Available online (PDF-Format, 21 pages, 340 KB). Discussion Paper Series No. 2006-01, Philippine Institute for Development Studies.
The paper aims to add to the understanding of the issues and suggests a framework to move toward the use of best practice in rules of origin (ROO). ROO originally designed as uncontroversial and neutral devise for authentication and statistical purposes, are becoming a tool in implementing discriminatory trade policies and trade policy instrument per se. They have become a critical and to some extent, a “dragging point” in the negotiation process of recent trade agreements. The growing relevance of ROO in trade negotiations cannot be overemphasized. The paper begins with the definition that has been adopted and traces the developments in the use of ROO. It looks at ROO within the context of multilateral ROO and the preferential ROO in regional or bilateral FTAs. Different types of ROO with some illustration from existing RTA are also presented. The paper also focuses on some recurring ROO issues and presents some suggestions for a framework for ROO best practices which is characterized by transparency, predictability, neutrality, and non-discrimination and with the added dimension of being development-friendly.
Accessed on 18 July < http://dirp4.pids.gov.ph/ris/dps/pidsdps0601.pdf >

Sustainability Report 2005 - Working towards a sustainable future. June 2006. Available online (PDF-Format, 80 pages, 2.1 MB). European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
The Sustainability Report 2005 takes an in-depth look at the impact of EBRD activities on the people and the environment in the countries where the bank operates. It also looks at internal operations. This year’s report has a special focus on energy, covering the development of the EBRD’s new Energy Policy and the bank’s activities across the energy sector. It also focuses on issues of transparency and accountability. Case studies dotted throughout the report provide an insight into how the bank takes account of environmental and social issues when considering whether to finance new projects.
Accessed on 18 July < http://www.ebrd.org/pubs/general/6597.pdf >

Trade on Human Terms: Transforming Trade for Human Development in Asia and the Pacific. July 2006. Available online (PDF-Format, 160 pages). UNDP.
This Asia-Pacific human development report, first in a new annual series focusing on critical development issues in the Asian and Pacific region, is the product of an extensive consultation process with experts from very different walks of life, including scholars, Government officials, representatives of non-government organizations, civil society and the private sector. It puts forward an ambitious eight-point agenda for national Governments to make trade work more for the poor. The eight key recommendations are to invest for competitiveness, to adopt strategic trade policies, to restore a focus on agriculture, to combat jobless growth, to prepare a new tax regime, to maintain stable and realistic exchange rates, to persist with multilateralism and to cooperate with .
Accessed on 18 July < http://www.undprcc.lk/rdhr2006/rdhr2006_report.asp >

The use of flexibilities in TRIPS by developing countries: can they promote access to medicines? April 2006. Available online (PDF-Format, 217 pages, 1.36 MB). South Centre and World Health Organization.
This study was commissioned to examine the extent to which the flexibilities contained in the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) have been incorporated into the legislation of developing countries and the extent of the actual use for public health purposes; to review the stated trade policies of major industrialized countries, particularly the United States and the European Union in order to determine whether they take adequate account of the public health priorities of developing countries; and to examine the practical effect and implications of recently concluded bilateral and regional free trade agreements (FTAs) for public health protection in developing countries. Overall, the study finds that the use of TRIPS flexibilities can promote access to medicines in developing countries. Most developing countries whose laws and practices were reviewed have incorporated one or more of the TRIPS flexibilities and there has been increasing usage of these flexibilities such as compulsory licensing for public health purposes. However, the authors argue that there remain important gaps both in terms of incorporation and usage of flexibilities, which would need to be addressed if the TRIPS flexibilities were to be used effectively across the developing world.
Accessed on 18 July
< http://www.southcentre.org/publications/SouthPerspectiveSeries/ >

http://www.abs.org.sg
Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS)
E-mail: banks@abs.org.sg
The Association of Banks in Singapore plays an active role in promoting and representing the interests of the banking community in Singapore. It works closely with the authorities in supporting their role in developing and maintaining a sound financial system. ABS provides input for legislation and guidelines relating to the industry, and helps establish common ground for member banks to reconcile differing opinions and support projects of mutual benefit. It liaises with a number of institutions and trade associations which use banking and financial services extensively. ABS offers publications for both the public and banks; as well as consumer information, e.g. a code of consumer banking practice that crystallizes the minimum standards of service that the consumer can expect when dealing with a bank.

http://www.codexalimentarius.net/web/index_en.jsp
Codex Alimentarius Commission
E-mail: Codex@fao.org
The Codex Alimentarius Commission was created in 1963 by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop food standards, guidelines and related texts. The main purposes of this programme are protecting health of the consumers and ensuring fair trade practices in the food trade, and promoting coordination of all food standards work undertaken by international governmental and non-governmental organizations. The website offers detailed information about the Codex, access to various other official standards as well as publications, reports of meetings, news, etc.

http://www.investinturkey.gov.tr
General Directorate for Foreign Investment (GDFI), Turkey
The General Directorate for Foreign Investment is an agency of the Undersecretariat for Treasury under the Ministry of State in Charge of Economy. It is mainly responsible for formulating and implementing Turkey’s FDI policy, carrying out tasks such as to guide and assist foreign investors; to provide foreign investors data and information on the business climate; to process foreign investors’ applications for investment incentives and issue incentive certificates for eligible projects, to keep record of FDI inflows to Turkey, and to conduct FDI-related international relations of Turkey at bilateral and multilateral platforms. The website offers information on doing business in Turkey, relevant business legislation, living in Turkey, investor services, investment climate reforms and more.
Accessed on 30 June

http://www.grain.org/
GRAIN
E-mail: grain@grain.org
GRAIN is an international non-governmental organization which promotes the sustainable management and use of agricultural biodiversity based on people's control over genetic resources and local knowledge. GRAIN works to meet its aims by working towards protecting and strengthening community control of agricultural biodiversity; promoting agriculture rich in biodiversity; and stopping the destruction of genetic diversity. The website offers access to publications, research, news and topics.
Accessed on 30 June

http://www.tdctrade.com
Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC)
E-mail: hktdc@tdc.org.hk
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council is the global marketing arm and public service hub for Hong Kong, China-based manufacturers, traders and service exporters. TDC’s mission is to create and facilitate opportunities in international trade for companies based in Hong Kong, China, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); and to promote a positive image of Hong Kong, China. TDC works to develop and diversify markets for Hong Kong, China companies; promote Hong Kong, China’s products and services in world markets; Promote Hong Kong, China’s role as an international business hub for services and information; enhance Hong Kong, China’s position as an international business city of China; and to enhance Hong Kong, China’s standing as a partner and platform for global business and supporter of free trade. The website features small business resources, market intelligence, trade opportunities, trade events as well as industry-specific information.

http://www.mrcmekong.org/
Mekong River Commission (MRC)
E-mail: mrcs@mrcmekong.org
The Mekong River Commission was established in 1995 by Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Thailand and Viet Nam to jointly manage shared water resources and develop the economic potential of the river. MRC aims to ensure reasonable and equitable use of the Mekong River System, through a participatory process with national Mekong committees in each country to develop procedures for water utilization. The MRC is also involved in fisheries management, promotion of safe navigation, irrigated agriculture, watershed management, environment monitoring, flood management and exploring hydropower options.
Accessed on 30 June

http://www.nafed.go.id
National Agency for Export Development (NAFED), Indonesia
The National Agency for Export Development was set up in 1971 as a special service agency of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. NAFED’s Mission is to formulate policy and establish guidelines for encouraging and supporting the expansion of non-oil and gas exports; to provide information services and market coordination; to implement and coordinate export promotion; and to expand the range of export products and markets. The website offers news, information on trade promotion, trade leads, exporter and importer profiles, a discussion forum, trade statistics, information on regulations and investment, commodity prices, links and more.

http://www.ocosec.org/index.htm
Oceania Customs Organization (OCO)
E-mail: marc.jannier@ocosec.org
The Oceania Customs Organization brings together twenty-three Customs administrations of American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Marianas Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Wallis et Futuna. The mission of OCO is to promote efficiency and effectiveness in all aspects of Customs administration in Oceania, with particular emphasis on the needs of developing administrations. It fosters harmonization, cooperation and assistance between its Members on Customs administration matters and ensure that their interests and concerns are projected effectively to Governments, non-government organizations and the private sector. Key focus areas of OCO are trade facilitation and revenue collection; law enforcement; human resource development; and communication and representation.

http://www.wbcsd.org
World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
E-mail: info@wbcsd.org
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) brings together some 180 international companies in a shared commitment to sustainable development through economic growth, ecological balance and social progress. Members are drawn from more than 30 countries and 20 major industrial sectors. WBCSD’s mission is to provide business leadership as a catalyst for change toward sustainable development and to support the business to operate, innovate and grow in a world increasingly shaped by sustainable development issues. The website offers information on a wide range of topics, e.g. eco-efficiency, financial sector, innovation and technology, and corporate social responsibility. Further, the website gives access to news, research, publications, case studies and much more.
Accessed on 30 June

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.