Developing Countries in International Trade 2005: Trade and Development Index
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, 2005
121 Pages Posted: 8 May 2007
Date Written: 2005
Abstract
The contribution of trade to development depends critically on the context in which trade works and the objectives it serves. No country has grown without trade. And with all economies becoming increasingly open against the backdrop of globalization, the role of trade in development is much more prominent.
The Heads of State and Government at the 2005 World Summit reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that trade plays its full part in promoting economic growth, employment and development for all. How can implementation of this commitment be monitored?
The Trade and Development Index (TDI) responds to this question with an innovative conceptual and quantitative framework looking systematically at the interactions among different factors that determine trade and human development outcomes.
The usefulness of the TDI lies in its integration of three key functions: monitoring the trade and development performance of countries; diagnosing and identifying factors affecting their performance; and providing a policy tool for national and international action to keep trade focused on development and poverty reduction.
Keywords: Trade and Development Index, export performance, trade reforms, UNCTAD
JEL Classification: F, O, C
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation