Multilateralising Regionalism on Government Procurement

The potential multilateralisation of government procurement commitments in regional trade agreements (RTAs) presents many issues and challenges. To what extent do RTAs go beyond the 2012 revised Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA), and how do they differ among trading partners? This report surveys 47 RTAs in force with government procurement provisions where an OECD member is a party.

Trade Costs: What Have We Learned? A Synthesis Report

Understanding trade costs is essential for formulating policy interventions designed to reduce such costs. This report synthesises all OECD work on cost factors across the entire trade chain.

Related Documents

• Trade costs

Trade facilitation agreement would add billions to global economy, says OECD

Multilateral agreement to cut red tape in international trade would dramatically reduce trading costs and add a substantial boost to the global economy, according to new OECD research.

Different Partners, Different Patterns: Trade and Labour Market Dynamics in Brazil's Post-Liberalisation Period

To what extent has the greater external exposure of the Brazilian economy in the past decade contributed to the evolution of employment in the country? This paper finds that Brazilian exports expanded vigorously in the 2000s and contributed positively to employment generation, though this contribution was relatively small.

OECD trade briefing on 3 May 2013 in Geneva

Inefficient, outdated and complex trade procedures and formalities prevent businesses from taking full advantage of open global markets.

The Role of Services for Competitiveness in Manufacturing

What is the role of services in international merchandise trade, especially as new technology changes the way production is organised? This study analyses the relationship between competitiveness in manufacturing and the quality of key supporting services. Three primary indicators of competitiveness are considered: the degree of product differentiation, unit prices obtained in export markets and the duration of trade.

Made in the world

The new OECD/WTO database on trade in value-added is not just about changing the numbers, but policymakers’ approaches too. It gives trade fresh importance, and a place high on the agenda of the UK’s G8 presidency.

Cross-Border Trade in Electricity and the Development of Renewables-Based Electric Power: Lessons from Europe

To benefit fully from cross-border trade in electricity, interconnected countries need to establish a non-discriminatory trading regime based on co-operation and co-ordination, says this study of trade in renewables-based electric power in Europe.

State-Owned Enterprises: Trade Effects and Policy Implications

With a growing integration via trade and investment, state-owned enterprises (SOEs) that have traditionally been oriented towards domestic markets increasingly compete with private firms in the global market place. This paper presents a conceptual discussion of how potential SOE advantages can generate cross-border effects.

Summary Report: OECD International Business Dialogue 2013

Business representatives and policy makers provided lively debate and valuable insights on barriers to 21st century commerce when they met at this event at OECD headquarters in Paris. Read the main discussion points, online survey results and recommendations.