Commonwealth preferences in retrospect: some lessons for the developing countries

Abstract

The present work deals with problems of commercial regionalism with regard to the “non associable” Commonwealth developing countries. More specifically, it looks at whether differential market-access via preferential tariffs is really very important in determining developing countries’ export patterns and growth. The author approaches this question by examining the impact of the Commonwealth Preference system on the relative performance of the beneficiary developing countries and territories in the U.K. market, and suggests some contemporary policy options for the developing nations. JEL: F13, F43, O24

Keywords

• Commercial regionalism
• Commonwealth
• developing countries