Of Openess and Distance: Trade Developments in the Commonwealth of Independent States, 1993-2002

Author/Editor:

Katrin Elborgh-Woytek

Publication Date:

October 1, 2003

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

This paper analyzes developments in the structure of trade in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) during the transition decade, and finds that it changed less than in other transition economies. Trade openness of the CIS increased between 1993 and 1997, but has fallen to a lower-level plateau since then owing to regional and country-specific factors. These include slower progress in transition, geographic aspects, restrictions on trade, governance and corruption problems, weak infrastructure, lack of regional cooperation, and political conflicts. Regression results show that trade openness of the CIS countries would likely increase substantially if market-oriented reforms were pursued more vigorously.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2003/207

Subject:

Direction of trade Exports Imports International trade Trade balance Trade barriers Trade policy

English

Publication Date:

October 1, 2003

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451874679/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2072003

Pages:

28

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