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Towards meaningful transparency at the WTO: Reinforcing the trade policy review mechanism

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  • André Brotto Reigado
  • Simon J. Evenett
  • Fernando Martin

Abstract

We characterise the operation of the World Trade Organization's Trade Policy Review as an exercise, albeit valuable, in performative transparency. We describe steps taken by the St. Gallen Endowment for Prosperity Through Trade to augment this review process so as contribute towards meaningful transparency. Drawing from recent Trade Policy Reviews of G20 countries, specific examples are described where revealing evidence was provided that facilitates government assessment of their economies' exposure to the commercial policy practices of the reviewed nation. While a step forward, further steps are needed to attain meaningful transparency at the multilateral level that translates into better commercial policies.

Suggested Citation

  • André Brotto Reigado & Simon J. Evenett & Fernando Martin, 2023. "Towards meaningful transparency at the WTO: Reinforcing the trade policy review mechanism," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 46(12), pages 3435-3454, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:worlde:v:46:y:2023:i:12:p:3435-3454
    DOI: 10.1111/twec.13531
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Tussie, Diana, 1997. "Trade policy within the context of the World Trade Organization," Revista CEPAL, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL), August.
    5. Kono, Daniel Y., 2006. "Optimal Obfuscation: Democracy and Trade Policy Transparency," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 100(3), pages 369-384, August.
    6. Der Boghossian, Anoush, 2019. "Trade policies supporting women's economic empowerment: Trends in WTO members," WTO Staff Working Papers ERSD-2019-07, World Trade Organization (WTO), Economic Research and Statistics Division.
    7. Collins-Williams, Terry & Wolfe, Robert, 2010. "Transparency as a trade policy tool: the WTO's cloudy windows," World Trade Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 9(4), pages 551-581, October.
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