This timely Handbook comprehensively explores the complex relationships between trade and economic performance in developing countries, illustrating that it is not trade per se that is important but the context, at the firm, country and regional level, in which trade occurs. This timely Handbook comprehensively explores the complex relationships between trade and economic performance in developing countries, illustrating that it is not trade per se that is important but the context, at the firm, country and regional level, in which trade occurs.

The Handbook on Trade and Development provides a review of the current understanding of major trade issues facing developing countries through considering specific region or country case studies. Broad topics are covered including trade costs and facilitation; trade preferences; trade and firm performance; and child labor. Chapters on sub-Saharan Africa cover primary commodities, informal cross-border trade, agglomeration and regional integration. Chapters on Latin America include the role of imported technology; exchange rates; export diversification; FDI; and firm exporting. Chapters on East Asia cover the increasing importance of China in world trade and links between trade and environment, labor markets and FDI.

This discerning work will be an indispensable reference point for academics, researchers and students of development economics. The broad range of topics covered will provide a useful insight for practitioners and policy makers into the nuances of the complex relationship between trade and the economy in developing regions.

Contributors include: C. Ackah, M.R. Agosin, P-.C. Athukorala, L.D.C. Chancí Arango, X. Cirera, E. Cooke, A.M. Fernandes, E. Ferro, R. Garcia, S. Golub, G. Herath, I.T. Kandilov, A. Leblebicio lu, G. Leeves, V. Leyaro, R.A. López, P. McConaghy, J. Menon, A. Mold, O. Morrissey, M. Persson, A. Prizzon, K. Sharma, E. Siba, M. Söderbom, T.T.H. Tambunan, F.E. Turkson, A. Voy, A. Waldkirch, W. Wei, J.S. Wilson, J. Zhang, X. Zhang