Delivering on the PRSP in Bangladesh: An Analysis of the Implementation Challenges

PRSP, Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, Delivering PRSP, Implementation Challenges PRSP, Bangladesh

Least Developed Countries in Trade Negotiations: Planning Process and Information Needs

Trade, Bangladesh

REGIONAL CUMULATION FACILITY UNDER EC-GSP:STRATEGIC RESPONSE FROM SHORT AND MEDIUM TERM PERSPECTIVES

In the recent past, the issue of whether Bangladesh should take advantage of the EU-GSP under the regional cumulation (RC) facilities has emerged as a highly contentious one. The interests of the influential export-oriented RMG sector and the emerging textile industries appear to be in direct and immediate conflict over this particular policy choice. Since the matter is related to the strategic interest of the country’s apparel exports in the medium and long-term, it calls for a close scrutiny. The paper candidly has done this scrutiny.Regional Cumulation, Trade and Globalisation, EC-GSP, RMG, Readymade Garment, Bangladesh

EXPERIENCE WITH IMPLEMENTATION OF WTO-ATC AND IMPLICATIONS FOR BANGLADESH

This paper reviews the implementation of the Agreement on Textiles & Clothing (ATC), its implications for the future of Bangladesh's apparel sector and some of the possible strategic response which Bangladesh could design in order to address the emerging challenges in the global apparel market.WTO, Bangladesh

SEEKING FAIR MARKET ACCESS FOR BANGLADESH APPARELS IN THE USA: A STRATEGIC VIEW

The paper analyses the status of the export oriented Readymade Garments (RMG) sector with implications of the Multi-Fiber Agreement (MFA) and it’s relevance to the US market during the transition. It also focuses on the change in demand from a Bangladesh-US bilateral perspective and puts forward a number of measures which might provide a basis for Bangladesh’s response strategy in its quest to seek fair market access for apparels in the USA.Trade, Market Access, RMG, Readymade Garment, ATC, WTO, Bangladesh

USA Trade and Development Act 2000: A Response from Bangladesh Perspective

The present paper attempts to understand the various ramifications of the US TDA2000, the United States Congress initiated, particularly with respect to Bangladesh. The paper lays out the backdrop of the issue, various provisions of the US TDA2000, reviews the implications of the Act for Bangladesh and puts forward a number of measures which might provide a basis for Bangladesh’s response strategy to the US TDA2000.Trade, Trade Development Act, Bangladesh

THIRD UN CONFERENCE ON THE LDCs: MAKING IT BETTER FOR BANGLADESH

The paper suggests a strategic approach for Bangladesh at the LDC III negotiation process. It also reviews the events leading to the Third UN Conference on the LDCs; documents the global and national contexts in which the conference is taking place; and provides critical perspectives of stakeholders.UN CONFERENCE, LDCs, Bangladesh

Bangladesh 2020: An Analysis of Growth Prospect and External Sector Behaviour

External factors such as export, import, remittances and foreign aid have always played important rolesto Bangladesh’s economy, though the relative importance of various external factors has changed over time. This study has analysed the trend, structure and changing features of the external sector of Bangladesh. Based on the past performance and changes in the global economy, the study has projected the growth prospect and likely behaviour of Bangladesh’s external sector under three scenarios: (i) optimistic scenario (8% GDP growth per annum), (ii) business as usual scenario (6% GDP growth per annum), and (iii) base case scenario (4% GDP growth per annum). Under these three scenarios, the study has projected the level of total GDP and per capita GDP of Bangladesh till FY2020. Projections are made about the required level of exports, imports, remittances, foreign aid and foreign investment to attain a consistent GDP growth at the rate of 4%, 6% and 8% up to the year 2020. The paper has also put forward the implications of the findings for policies related to the external sector of Bangladesh. The paper suggests that Bangladesh needs a steady growth based on foreign investment, service income and trade. The report adds that future growth of Bangladesh will depend on promoting export, sustaining remittances, and triggering export. Bangladesh will require a breakthrough in the performance of the external sector. According to the report, the key to the breakthrough lies in effective integration of Bangladesh’s economy with the global economy which will ultimately depend on the ability of political leadership to undertake necessary policy reforms and institution building measures.External Sector,Growth, Bangladesh

An Evaluation of the Need and Cost of Selected Trade Facilitation Measures in Bangladesh: Implications for the WTO Negotiations on Trade Facilitation

With the ongoing customs reforms in Bangladesh, the possible future negotiations on trade facilitation in the WTO will have a profound impact on Bangladesh, as well as on other LDC and developing countries. These countries will benefit greatly from new trade facilitation initiatives. Simultaneously, these countries may face enormous challenges in implementing their commitments in the area of trade facilitation. It is, thus, imperative for these countries to closely monitor the Doha negotiations in this area and be prepared to formulate their negotiating strategies. They should also continue with customs administration reform and trade facilitation capacity building programs in order to develop their own capacity.WTO, Trade Facilitation, Bangladesh

International Trade, Social Labelling and Developing Countries : The Case of Bangladesh’s Garnments Export and Use of Child Labor

Linking of labor standards to trade policy is not a novel idea ; yet the recent measures put into effect by the developed countries through “social labelling” of their imports present a new challenge to the post-Uruguay Round multilateral trading system. The heightened debate regarding social dimensions of trade brought to the fore the complex nature of the issue – encompassing not only economic but moral aspects as well. The selective deployment of the “social concern driven” trade measures ..