BILATERAL TRADE AGREEMENTS AND THE WORLD TRADING SYSTEM. By Jayant Menon. Asian Development Bank, November 2006. Bilateral Trade Agreements (BTAs) have been proliferating. Why are they so popular? What are their impacts on multilateralism and the world trading system? This paper attempts to answer these questions. First it identifies the general and specific factors driving the growth in BTAs. Next it examines how BTAs in general, and different types of BTAs, are affecting the world trading system. Although the sheer number of BTAs is fragmenting the world trading system, the impact of individual BTAs often depends on their underlying motivation. Finally, this paper considers likely scenarios for the future landscape of world trade, and possible responses. Available online at http://www.bilaterals.org/article.php3?id_article=6528.
ENERGY & CLIMATE - A CONTRIBUITION TO THE DIALOGUE ON LONG TERM COOPERATIVE ACTION. World Business Council for Sustainable Development, November 2006. This publication offers some initial thinking on possible options for action on climate change within a revised framework after 2012. According to the report, such a revised framework would learn and build from existing international agreements and incorporate new long-term goals. To access the report, visit http://www.wbcsd.org/templates/TemplateWBCSD2/layout.asp?type=p&MenuId=ODU&doOpen=1&ClickMenu=RightMenu.
INNOVATION IN SECURING LAND RIGHTS IN AFRICA: LESSONS FROM EXPERIENCE. Edited by Kanji et al. International Institute for Environment and Development, September 2006. This paper examines current trends in land tenure and sources of insecurity, and then moves on to describe innovative policy and practice to secure various kinds of tenure rights. Rather than providing a comprehensive review, it seeks to gather insights and lessons from seven case studies. The 12-page report aims to inform current policy debates and initiatives to support land tenure security for low income, resource-poor and vulnerable groups who make up the majority of the population in Africa. For more information visit http://www.iied.org/pubs/display.php?o=12531iied.
THE IMPACT OF GLOBALISATION AND LIBERALISATION ON AGRICULTURE AND SMALL FARMERS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: THE CASE OF THE PHILIPPINES. By Victoria Tauli-Corpuz et al. Third World Network, April 2006. This report examines the effects of globalisation and liberalisation on poor rural producers in the Philippines. It includes two case studies on the vegetable sector and the poultry sector. To access the report visit http://www.twnside.org.sg/pos.htm.