Africa and Preferential Trade : An Unpredictable Path for Development

Non-reciprocal preferential trade arrangements are a defining feature of the relationship between developed and developing countries, dating back to the colonial era. In the late 1950s, these arrangements started to take a multilateral form when members of the European Economic Community established special trade arrangements with their colonies. Since then, several trade arrangements have featured African countries among the preference-receiving countries. Yet it is not always clear how preferential these arrangements are and whether these arrangements in fact help African countries or instead lead them to perpetual dependence on specific markets and products. Richard E. Mshomba carefully examines the history of these programs and their salient features, and analyzes negotiations between the EU and African countries to form Economic Partnership Agreements. Non-reciprocal preferential trade arrangements are often unpredictable, since the duration and magnitude of preferences are at the discretion of the preference-giving countries. However, when used in conjunction with other development programs and with laws and regulations that encourage long-term investment and protect employees, they can increase economic opportunities and foster human development. This book recognizes the potential impact of non-reciprocal preferential trade arrangements and provides recommendations to increase their viability.

Author: Richard E Mshomba

Publisher: Stanford University Press

Publication Date: Sep 10, 2024

Number of Pages: NA pages

Language: English

Binding: Hardcover

ISBN-10: 1503614611

ISBN-13: 9781503614611