Regulatory Autonomy and Multilateral Disciplines : The Dilemma and a Possible Resolution / World Trade Organization.

Format:

Book

Government document

Author/Creator:

World Trade Organization.

Series:

WTO Working Papers, 25189808 ; no.1998/14.

WTO Working Papers, 25189808 ; no.1998/14

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Economic research and trade policy analysis.

Local Subjects:

Economic research and trade policy analysis.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (26 pages).

Place of Publication:

Geneva : World Trade Organization, 1998.

System Details:

text file

Summary:

A major challenge for the multilateral trading system is to secure the benefits of trade liberalization without infringing on the freedom of governments to pursue legitimate domestic objectives. The difficulty lies in distinguishing between two types of situations. In one, a non-protectionist government cannot prevent certain domestic policies from incidentally discriminating against foreign competitors. In the other, a protectionist government uses a legitimate objective as an excuse to design domestic policies which inhibit foreign competition. The challenge is to devise rules which are sensitive to the difference between these two situations, exonerating the former while preventing the latter. The approach suggested in this paper is to create a presumption in favour of the economically efficient policy measure, with departures inviting justification.

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.