Policy issues and options in primary commodity trade
- Author: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
- Main Title: Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 1987 , pp 169-176
- Publication Date: December 1987
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.18356/30a68c36-en
- Language: English
- Previous Chapter
- Table of Contents
- Next Chapter
The preceding chapters have analysed the various issues relating to trade in non-fuel primary commodities confronting the ESCAP region in the context of its changing role in the process of development. While the importance of such trade in overall commodity trade for the world, as well as for the developing countries of the region, has declined considerably in recent years, its strategic role in world trade and as a vital source of foreign exchange earnings for many developing countries makes it an important item on any current agenda of international trade issues. For developing countries its importance stems not merely from its role as a net foreign exchange earner but also as an important source of employment and income to a majority of their population and a source of funds for their overall development. For developed countries, except such countries as Australia and New Zealand, trade in primary commodities has been a small proportion of total merchandise trade but their world share of this trade is more than a half and has risen in recent years. However, the population that is dependent on primary production, especially agriculture, as a full-time occupation in developed countries is small and is now less than the proportion of unemployed in those economies
-
From This Site
/content/books/9789210599054s005-c006dcterms_title,dcterms_subject,pub_keyword-contentType:Journal -contentType:Contributor -contentType:Concept -contentType:Institution105