Lars Handrich - Böcker

This book addresses the domestic and economic policy challenges and opportunities that Ukraine faces in light of accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The country is politically committed to becoming a member. Experienced policy makers, international experts and scientists present their views on the country's path towards WTO membership. The contributors draw conclusions from previous accessions to WTO and discuss important aspects of institution building and the implementation of regulatory rules and their costs. Further, they argue that the country, which has an extremely high export-to-GDP ratio of over 60 per cent (almost twice as high as Germany), needs to develop a coherent and WTO-compatible national trade policy. As the analysis shows, trade related policies are highly affected by WTO membership and Ukrainian competition and agricultural policies will need to become more market economy oriented. Still further, the text demonstrates that Ukraine is not likely to enjoy the full benefits of membership unless it pursues market oriented structural reforms.