Pacific Island Economies

This sixth annual study focuses on the effects of globalization on developing countries and the growing divide between fast and slow- integrating economies. It describes current trends in integration and answers key questions on trade and on commodity-reliant economies. The book examines two questions in particular detail: Will trade liberalization work? The report argues that countries that embark on trade liberalization in the current environment are likely to be rewarded and recognizes that genuine adjustment costs exist and that complementary reforms are important. How can commodity-reliant countries enhance productivity and diversify exports? Although many of these countries have been among the high growth, fast integrators, many others have been poor performers. Successful exporters are characterized by high productivity in existing commodity sectors, the capacity to diversify to non-traditional commodity exports, and the maintenance of economic stability. The report projects continued rapid acceleration of integration over the next decade, with moderate import growth in the developed countries and continued sharp import increases in developing countries. Those countries that continue to reform their economies and expand their participation in the world economy will be in a position to take advantage of the resulting opportunities; those that do not, risk falling further behind.

The Pacific island region has considerable potential for development, especially in the areas of tourism, fisheries, forestry, mining, and agriculture. However, these countries face many challenges to developing their economies and raising living standards, including their small size, distance from major markets, and vulnerability to natural disasters. The first half of this book provides an assessment of regional issues. The second half includes country-specific chapters, which provide an overview of each countries economic performance since independence and the main challenges ahead.

Brings together experts from around the world to consider specific issues pertaining to regional integration and governance within small states. The authors collectively address the challenges posed to small states by the quickened pace of globalisation. The lessons learnt from the experiences of small states are then used to draw policy lessons for the Pacific island countries.

" ... This book is an introduction to the contemporary Pacific Islands, intended primarily for interested individuals in government, business, and academia, as well as for students. It provides a succinct account of trends, issues, and recent developments affecting the islands in the political, economic, and international relations fields. The book is organized functionally, but also contains sketches of the individual island nations and groups ..."--Back cover.

This book, by Christopher Browne with Douglas A. Scott, reviews the economic progress that Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Western Samoa have made since independence. An overview of the region examines development strategies, external economic relations, the role of the private sector, and the evolution of financial structures. Seven country studies describe the main characteristics of each economy, analyze performance over the past decade, and provide detailed statistics suitable for cross-country comparison.