Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi
Abstract
For over a decade it has been obvious that the entry of Britain into
the EEC would be likely to call for adjustments in the trading patterns of all
her Commonwealth partners, but only comparatively recently have the lines heen
clearly drawn for the period of intense negotiations which will shape the
future trading relations of developing Commonwealth countries with the EEC.
In a Joint Declaration of Intent relating to the independent Commonwealth
countries in Asia, the signatories to the Treaty of Enlargement declared their
readiness, from the date of accession of the new member states to the EEC, to
examine with the above countries in Asia such problems as might arise in the
field of trade, with a view to seeking appropriate solutions.
In this paper, the trends and patterns of trade of the Asian
Commonwealth countries, India, Bangladesh, Singapore, Malaysia and Sri Lanka,
are examined, and then the different treaties and trade agreements which will
determine the implications of the EEC enlargement. The impact of the harmonisation
of British commercial policy with the EEC is discussed in general, and
the specific problems of each country described. Finally some alternative
approaches to the solution of the problems arising from EEC enlargement are
suggested, and the implications for development assistance are described
