A review of methodological approaches used to analyse the impact of trade liberalisation on growth and poverty in South Africa
- Authors: Cattaneo, Nicolette S
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/470144 , vital:77330
- Description: A critical review of the methodological approaches used to explore the impact of trade liberalisation in South Africa on growth and poverty in particular is preceded by a re-examination of key features of the theoretical debate on trade liberalisation and the controversies surrounding the associated empirical evidence. The appropriateness of the questions and concerns highlighted in the literature on ‘trade reform’ in South Africa are then considered, in the light of the recent emphasis on using trade policy to meet the country’s national and regional development goals. An important reason for the polarised and ideological debate on trade, growth and poverty has been the persistent view that a ‘free trade’ system is a relevant benchmark, and argues that the theory and evidence are not as compelling as proponents contend. Instead, alternative scenarios should be evaluated against those that are relevant for industrial, other development goals rather than relative to an unrealistic free trade ideal. In the debate,the broader state of play in multilateral, regional and bilateral trade negotiations and the associated obligations and pressures should also be appreciated. The dialogue on ‘trade reform’ in South Africa should move beyond simply characterising the debate as one between ‘free trade’ and ‘protectionism’.The appropriate question is rather how to manage trade sensibly, in order to allow for growth without creating balance of payment difficulties and policy space to promote the structural change necessary to create jobs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Cattaneo, Nicolette S
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/470144 , vital:77330
- Description: A critical review of the methodological approaches used to explore the impact of trade liberalisation in South Africa on growth and poverty in particular is preceded by a re-examination of key features of the theoretical debate on trade liberalisation and the controversies surrounding the associated empirical evidence. The appropriateness of the questions and concerns highlighted in the literature on ‘trade reform’ in South Africa are then considered, in the light of the recent emphasis on using trade policy to meet the country’s national and regional development goals. An important reason for the polarised and ideological debate on trade, growth and poverty has been the persistent view that a ‘free trade’ system is a relevant benchmark, and argues that the theory and evidence are not as compelling as proponents contend. Instead, alternative scenarios should be evaluated against those that are relevant for industrial, other development goals rather than relative to an unrealistic free trade ideal. In the debate,the broader state of play in multilateral, regional and bilateral trade negotiations and the associated obligations and pressures should also be appreciated. The dialogue on ‘trade reform’ in South Africa should move beyond simply characterising the debate as one between ‘free trade’ and ‘protectionism’.The appropriate question is rather how to manage trade sensibly, in order to allow for growth without creating balance of payment difficulties and policy space to promote the structural change necessary to create jobs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Services trade liberalisation and the role of the services sector in South African development
- Authors: Cattaneo, Nicolette S
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/470314 , vital:77347
- Description: The purpose of this paper is to explore the implications of services trade liberalisation for employment creation and industrial policy goals in South Africa. It begins by critically examining the debate surrounding the role of the services sector in development, with a particular focus on its role in facilitating industrialisation. It then considers the implications of increased trade in services and the growing pressure on developing countries to liberalise their services trade in light of both the economic and social roles of the services sector. The paper highlights South Africa’s GATS and other commitments in the services field, with reference to the regional–bilateral versus multilateral liberalisation debate. The final section outlines research needed on the services sector in light of South Africa’s employment creation and industrial policy goals. The aim is to provide a review that will facilitate more in-depth analysis exploring the strategic balance between services sectors to develop domestically, regionally or to open multilaterally, taking account of South Africa’s international obligations and national development objectives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Cattaneo, Nicolette S
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/470314 , vital:77347
- Description: The purpose of this paper is to explore the implications of services trade liberalisation for employment creation and industrial policy goals in South Africa. It begins by critically examining the debate surrounding the role of the services sector in development, with a particular focus on its role in facilitating industrialisation. It then considers the implications of increased trade in services and the growing pressure on developing countries to liberalise their services trade in light of both the economic and social roles of the services sector. The paper highlights South Africa’s GATS and other commitments in the services field, with reference to the regional–bilateral versus multilateral liberalisation debate. The final section outlines research needed on the services sector in light of South Africa’s employment creation and industrial policy goals. The aim is to provide a review that will facilitate more in-depth analysis exploring the strategic balance between services sectors to develop domestically, regionally or to open multilaterally, taking account of South Africa’s international obligations and national development objectives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
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