Export competitiveness and development in LDCs

For several decades, least developed countries (LDCs) have undertaken far-reaching economic reforms, including trade liberalization and integration. Yet, these countries continue to be marginalized in the world economy. Their persistent underdevelopment and, in many cases, long-term decline illustrate how trade and integration may be necessary but not sufficient for development and poverty reduction in LDCs. This is due to the interplay of external and internal development challenges and the problems facing the LDCs. The present study argues that despite the many and complex obstacles, there is considerable scope for many LDCs to join the group of successful exporters, particularly in the field of traditional exports such as oil, copper, coffee, cocoa and groundnuts. It emphasizes three important areas of non-traditional exports with significant growth potential for LDCs: horticulture, fishing and tourism. There could also be dynamic gains particularly in traditional exports and horticulture, notably in the form of technological upgrading, quality control, marketing networks and market connections.