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Trade and economy

Pacific officials discuss regional trade facilitation

Pacific Trade officials have wrapped up a two-day virtual workshop on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement aimed at reinvigorating intra-regional and global trade post Covid-19.

An Assessment of the Impact of COVID-19 Responses on MSMEs in the Informal Sector: Evidence from Commonwealth Countries in the Pacific

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led to severe economic disruption, with the informal sector in Pacific Commonwealth countries being particularly vulnerable.

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Debt data quality tool to support better decision-making on public debt

The Commonwealth Secretariat and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have joined forces to create a pioneering resource to support countries facing tough decisions on public debt.

Climate and Energy Provisions in Trade Agreements with Relevance to the Commonwealth

This paper considers domestic climate laws among Commonwealth countries and climate change language across an array of trade and investment agreements featuring Commonwealth parties in order to identify key trends and useful mechanisms for future agreement negotiations, particularly regarding climate-vulnerable countries and LDCs.

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An Assessment of the Impact of COVID-19 Responses on MSMEs in the Informal Sector: Evidence from Commonwealth Countries in the Caribbean

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led to severe economic disruption, with the large informal sector in Caribbean Commonwealth countries being particularly vulnerable.

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An Assessment of the Impact of COVID-19 Responses on MSMEs in the Informal Sector

This paper summarises current policy responses and groups them into five key areas: health and safety measures; welfare support; responses on taxes and fees; finance and credit measures; and structural policies.

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Sustainable Graduation

Several countries are to leave the group of least developed countries (LDCs) in the coming decade.

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The Impact of COVID-19 on Commonwealth Services Trade

This International Trade Working Paper examines the effect of the pandemic on the services trade of Commonwealth countries using both descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis.

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Prioritising the Poor

The world's poorest countries face a trilemma when tackling COVID-19, including being at the back of the queue for vital medical supplies.

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Export Diversification, Upstreamness and Global Value Chains

This study examines the determinants of export diversification for a group of Commonwealth member countries.

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Blog: Five ways governments can help small businesses in the informal sector survive COVID-19

In Africa, micro, small and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs) in the informal economy are particularly vulnerable to economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commonwealth Greenfield Investment

This paper examines the effect of Commonwealth membership on greenfield investment, using bilateral data in a structural gravity model.

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Harnessing the Commonwealth Advantage in Global Value Chains

This paper examines the participation of 43 Commonwealth countries in global value chains (GVCs).

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An Assessment of the Impact of the Slowdown of the Chinese Economy on Commonwealth Member Countries

One of the most prominent factors contributing to sluggish global trade growth in recent years has been the rebalancing of China's economy from being investment-oriented to consumption-driven since 2012.

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Exports at Risk from Non-Tariff Measures

In recent years, increases in far-reaching tariffs have been widely publicised.

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Trade in COVID-19-Related Medical Goods

This issue of Trade Hot Topics provides an overview of the trade in COVID-19 medical goods by Commonwealth member countries.

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Dispute Settlement at the WTO: How Did We Get Here and What's Next for the Commonwealth States?

This issue of Trade Hot Topics examines the current state of WTO dispute settlement with a focus on repercussions for Commonwealth countries.

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We must leverage the ‘Commonwealth Advantage’ to counter the economic fallout of COVID-19

The world is bracing for a massive hit to the global economy in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

A Critical Reflection on International Support for Least Developed Countries

With ten years of the 2030 Agenda to go, and with the fifth Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries starting in 2021, there is a need to re-evaluate the system of international support for LDCs.

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Least Developed Country Transition

The achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) hinges on progress made within the Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

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Anthony Joshua, Alexandra Burke and Craig David performed at Commonwealth Day service

Some of the Commonwealth’s top entertainers and sporting stars joined Queen Elizabeth and other members of the Royal Family at a multi-faith service to celebrate Commonwealth Day.

Commonwealth weekly roundup

News and events from around the Commonwealth this week.

Effectively Governing the Ocean Economy and Boosting the Trade Performance of Commonwealth Small States

Although small states' total share of global trade has been declining over time, specific sectors, including those related to the ocean economy, have been experiencing growth.

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The State of the Digital Economy in the Commonwealth

The Fourth Industrial Revolution presents significant opportunities and challenges for the Commonwealth.

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Blog: Kenya’s first ever national strategy to combat illicit trade boosts the country’s Big 4 Agenda

Philda Maiga was deployed as a national trade adviser to Kenya from 2014 until 2019 under the Hub and Spokes Programme. Providing technical support to the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, she shares insights from her experience in supporting the development of Kenya’s first ever national strategy to combat illicit trade.