Why Aid for Trade matters to small-island developing states

Abstract

Trading among countries has the potential to be an engine of growth that lifts millions of people out of poverty. However, many developing countries face obstacles that prevent them from fully benefiting from global trade. Some are in export markets, which the Doha Development Round of multilateral trade negotiations aims to reduce or eliminate. These include traditional tariffs as well as non-tariff barriers that are increasing in significance. Barriers found at home, including a lack of knowledge, excessive red tape, inadequate financing and poor infrastructure, can also act as major impediments for exporters.