International Trade in MENA Under the Reformed WTO with Expanded PRC Participation
The resilience of the multilateral trading system has been severely tested with the addition of a very large non-market participant -- the PRC into the WTO. The prospect for more trade liberalization is remote, and a further slide into US-PRC protectionist policies is likely to continue for the next decade. Some of major questions addressed in this volume include:
The natural resource countries within MENA have traditionally relied on natural resource exports like oil and gas to the PRC. The PRC’s growing economy and industrial base may result in increased demand for MENA's natural resources. Will this shift in markets be constructive to MENA?
Will FTA agreements between MENA countries and Asia provide preferential access to new markets and help diversify its exports beyond traditional natural resource-based products?
Will the WTO reforms benefit smaller and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in MENA?
Some MENA countries have implemented non-tariff barriers to trade, such as regulations and standards that make it difficult for foreign companies to do business in their markets. Are these NTBs within MENA on the way out?
Many MENA countries have economies that are heavily reliant on a few key industries. This lack of diversification makes these economies vulnerable to external shocks and limits their ability to adapt to changing global economic conditions. Are there meaningful changes in expanding MENA country product diversification?
Will FTA agreements between MENA countries and Asia provide preferential access to new markets and help diversify its exports beyond traditional natural resource-based products?
Will the WTO reforms benefit smaller and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in MENA?
Some MENA countries have implemented non-tariff barriers to trade, such as regulations and standards that make it difficult for foreign companies to do business in their markets. Are these NTBs within MENA on the way out?
Many MENA countries have economies that are heavily reliant on a few key industries. This lack of diversification makes these economies vulnerable to external shocks and limits their ability to adapt to changing global economic conditions. Are there meaningful changes in expanding MENA country product diversification?
Other volumes in CEESMENA's Research Series