Making global trade work for people

Billed as an independent reassessment of the current system of global trade “Making Global Trade Work for People” looks at ways that the system can be improved to contribute more effectively to human development.

Although trade has enormous potential to contribute to human development, say the authors, the current trade regime has fallen far short of expectations and its inequities are at the core of controversies surrounding globalization. The book examines these issues and presents perspectives from developing countries, civil society organizations from both North and South, and academics and experts that have not been widely heard.

The book addresses a range of critical questions, such as whether a developing country’s autonomy can be preserved while respecting legitimate objectives of advanced industrialized countries to maintain high labour, social and economic standards at home.

It also examines in detail the workings of the trade system under the World Trade Organization, tracing its origins from the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and analyzing how it can work better for developing countries and contribute to global efforts to reduce poverty.

The key message is that the current trade regime needs to shift its focus from promoting liberalization and market access to providing developing countries with policy space. This will give them the flexibility they need to make institutional and other innovations while still recognizing that trade liberalization and market access can make important contributions to human development in specific situations and certain sectors.

Text is also available in Spanish and French.