Trade Blocs

This report was published in August, 2000.

This policy research report analyzes both the political and economic benefits of regional trade blocs.  It argues that the benefits can sometimes be illusory and that careful economic choices have to be made if the schemes are to bring benefits.  The trade-offs faced in these choices are analyzed, and the design of successful blocs is studied.  The focus of the book is on policy choices for developing countries, with wider issues about the effect of trade blocs on the world trading system also addressed.