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‘Big Men’ and Little Trade

In: Economic Development Through Regional Trade

Author

Listed:
  • Kato Kimbugwe

    (Aberystwyth University)

  • Nicholas Perdikis

    (Aberystwyth University)

  • May T. Yeung

    (Estey Centre for Law and Economics in International Trade)

  • William A. Kerr

    (University of Saskatchewan)

Abstract

It is a familiar scene: black limousines with flags fluttering on the wings arriving at a banner bedecked conference centre sporting a new coat of paint. Fierce, burly men in dark glasses and black suits escort two or more of Africa’s flamboyant Big Men into the venue as the television cameras whir, digital cameras flash and smartly dressed school children wave small flags on cue. In the hall the Big Men make the obligatory speeches about the wisdom of cooperating with neighbours and the large expected benefits of trade liberalisation. The audience dutifully applauds, there are smiles all around and the Big Men move to a prominent table for a ritual inking of a regional free trade agreement. The media’s recording of the event is shown on the evening news and is captured prominently on the front pages of newspapers the next morning. The Big Men jet back home and await the prosperity their economists told them the agreement will bring.

Suggested Citation

  • Kato Kimbugwe & Nicholas Perdikis & May T. Yeung & William A. Kerr, 2012. "‘Big Men’ and Little Trade," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Economic Development Through Regional Trade, chapter 1, pages 1-10, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palchp:978-0-230-36992-4_1
    DOI: 10.1057/9780230369924_1
    as

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