Description
‘impressive, useful and down to earth in its observations and recommendations’ – The Round Table Vol. 98, No. 401, 223-243, April 2009
Small states face serious challenges for development due to their size, remoteness and vulnerability. In recent years, the prospects for small states have deteriorated further due to preference erosion and the emergence of larger competitors such as India and China. Working Smart and Small suggests how small states can reposition themselves in the global economy and move into knowledge-based and service industries.
Part I provides an overview of general factors stimulating or constraining the development of services sector and trade in services. It also identifies key trends and provides analysis.
Part II gives six case study examples of how some small states have promoted knowledge-based and service industries in their economies. The small states studied, from different regions and income groups, are Botswana, Mauritius, St. Lucia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and Vanuatu. The studies cover the performance and supporting factors in five promising service sectors: the financial sector, information and communication technologies, education, professional services and tourism.
Part III considers the policy implications.
This book will be of particular interest to economic policy-makers and researchers working on issues of concern to small states.
Contents
List of Abbreviations
1. Introduction
PART I
The Importance of Services for Small States
2. Being Small: Old and New Challenges
3. Opportunities for Small States
4. Performance and Trends of Services and Knowledge-based Industries in Small States
5. Developing Trade in Services: A Framework
PART II
Country Case Studies on Developing Trade in Services in Small States
6. Botswana
7. Mauritius
8. St Lucia
9. Singapore
10. United Arab Emirates
11. Vanuatu
PART III
Conclusions and Implications
12. Conclusions and Implications
References
Appendix
Index