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Special and Differential Treatment of Developing Countries in the WTO

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  • Paola Conconi
  • Carlo Perroni

Abstract

Rules on special and differential treatment (SDT) constitute the centerpiece of the WTO's strategy for integrating developing countries into the world trading system. We examine the theoretical rationale for SDT when trade liberalization in developing countries is impeded by a policy commitment problem. We show that SDT rules, if reconciled with the principle of reciprocity, can help developing countries to reduce trade barriers and improve their trading prospects.

Suggested Citation

  • Paola Conconi & Carlo Perroni, 2014. "Special and Differential Treatment of Developing Countries in the WTO," RSCAS Working Papers 2014/60, European University Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:rsc:rsceui:2014/60
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    Cited by:

    1. Borchert, Ingo & Conconi, Paola & Di Ubaldo, Mattia & Herghelegiu, Cristina, 2021. "The Pursuit of Non-Trade Policy Objectives in EU Trade Policy," World Trade Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 20(5), pages 623-647, December.
    2. Hyo Won Lee & Youngwan Kim, 2020. "Impacts of tangible and intangible elements of Aid for Trade on the globalisation of developing countries," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 43(8), pages 2153-2171, August.
    3. Gnangnon, Sèna Kimm, 2023. "Effect of the Utilization of Non-Reciprocal Trade Preferences on Trade Policy in Beneficiary Countries," EconStor Preprints 279825, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics.
    4. Jaime DE MELO & Marcelo OLARREAGA, 2017. "Trade Related Institutions and Development," Working Papers P199, FERDI.
    5. Gnangnon, Sèna Kimm, 2021. "WTO membership, the membership duration and the utilization of non-reciprocal trade preferences offered by the QUAD Countries," EconStor Preprints 247265, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Trade agreements; S&; D rules; commitment; reciprocity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D78 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Positive Analysis of Policy Formulation and Implementation
    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations

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