Trade liberalization and the transition to a market economy

Oleh Havrylyshyn and David Tarr

No 700, Policy Research Working Paper Series from The World Bank

Abstract: The focus of this paper is on the transition from a trade regime in a socialist economy to one based on a (more) liberal market economy. Thus, there is no need to detail the past and current nature of trade institutions, patterns and performance. However, the sorts of problems that a transition policy must address emanate from the initial conditions. This paper outlines the framework of trade policy, noting the role trade plays in development, the main elements of the policy package, and their relation to the overall economic policy picture. It summarizes the main conclusions from trade liberalization experiences worldwide, includes some discussion of their applicability to formerly-socialist economies, and discusses external constraints and opportunities presented by GATT and the Uruguay Round and relations with the EEC. The role of the government in a liberalized economy is also discussed. Finally, the paper concludes by presenting and analyzing the principal differences between Eastern European countries and others regarding trade liberalization, and discusses how the generally advised path toward trade liberalization would be altered in Eastern Europe.

Keywords: Environmental Economics&Policies; Economic Theory&Research; TF054105-DONOR FUNDED OPERATION ADMINISTRATION FEE INCOME AND EXPENSE ACCOUNT; Trade Policy; Transport and Trade Logistics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1991-07-31
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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