Fighting Irrelevance: The Role of Regional Trade Agreements in International Production Networks in Asia

Abstract

This chapter contains the sectoral case study on the textiles and clothing (T&C) in Bangladesh. The objectives of the chapter were to clarify value chain development in the export-oriented T&C sector of Bangladesh and the factors responsible for its development since its inception in the early 1980s. An in-depth analysis was carried out that covered: (a) the pattern of trade in T&C products between Bangladesh and other countries, (b) the dynamics and changes of the trade pattern and (c) the role of trade policies that focus on regional trade agreements (RTAs). Based on the analysis, the study makes policy suggestions for effective IPN operation in the T&C sector of Bangladesh.trade liberalization, international production networks, regional trade agreements, value chain, Asia, textile and clothing, East Asia, Bangladesh