| Abstract: |
The experience of the five examined industries (agro-food in Chile, cut
flowers in Kenya,garment in Lesotho and in Mauritius and seafood in Thailand)
demonstrates that non-traditional industries can emerge and achieved strong
growth rates in very diverse settings in terms of geography and initial
economic and social conditions. In most of these cases, the government adopted
a relatively export-oriented, business- friendly attitude and adapted its
policies as the industries developed. Hence, a key factor for successful
structural adjustment has been the pro-active role of government in
establishing an enabling economic and policy environment that allows local
firms to operate on a level-playing field and strengthen their competitive
edge in international markets. This highlights the importance of implementing
trade policies in the framework of comprehensive development strategies and
establishing a consultative national policy-making process for ensuring a
coherent approach to trade and structural adjustment. The case studies also
underscore that countries (government and industry) are compelled to
constantly adapt in light of new sources of competition, growing wage levels,
environmental constraints, technological advances and demanding product and
process standards. Policy-makers in most countries under review are aware of
this challenge. As a consequence, some of them have taken the initiative to
set up specific mechanisms or programmes for further enhancing the
competitiveness of existing export sectors and/or promoting emerging
non-traditional export industries. |