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New Publication: ‘Competitiveness Strategies For Small States’

22 July 2004

Small States
"Some developing states have managed to do much better than larger ones."

'Competitiveness Strategies for Small States' draws on the expertise of authors from small states around the world to share their insights on the competitiveness of their countries. Many small states face constraints that make it hard for them to compete with larger states, while they depend mostly on international trade due to the small size of their domestic markets. What are the disadvantages they face in meeting the competitiveness challenge? Why does it cost more to do business in small states?

"It seems paradoxical that, given this reality, some states have managed to compete in the international arena, even in a liberalised trade regime. Some developing states have managed to do much better than larger ones," says Professor Victor Ayeni, Director of the Governance and Institutional Development Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat in a foreword.

The authors attribute this success to good governance involving the awareness of the disadvantages of the small size of the state and the adoption of policies to minimise or withstand such disadvantages.

They also examine the difficulties faced by small states if they are forced to adopt World Trade Organisation rules relating to the dismantling of import tariffs, the removal of fiscal incentives to attract foreign direct investment, and the limitations on the ability of governments to continue supporting the local manufacturing sector.

This publication focuses on sound macroeconomic fundamentals and institutional frameworks. The issue of international trade negotiations is raised including the issue of granting special treatment to small states. The measurement of competitiveness and the influence of various actors and dimensions within the economic and social milieu are also discussed.

Edited by: Lino Briguglio and Gordon Cordina
Published by: Formatek Ltd, Malta
ISBN: 99909-49-20-4; 359 pages; price: £20 or 30 Maltese lira

HOW TO ORDER

Please contact Professor Lino Briguglio of the University of Malta at lino.briguglio@um.edu.mt.

 

CNIS - the Commonwealth News and Information Service Issue 193   21 July 2004

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