ESCAP Studies in Trade and Investment – serie

The global business environment has undergone a major transformation that requires greater knowledge to address the social and environmental challenges of our time. Due to severe climate change and widening of gaps between socioeconomic groups, businesses are pressured to change normative management practices and operations towards development that is both inclusive and sustainable. While shareholders have a vested interest in financial economic returns, stakeholders are more broadly interested in business’ objectives, policies and operations which may impact the global sustainability. In this context, the notion of socially responsible business (SRB) is gaining relevance. SRB is an approach in which for-profit businesses are proactively operating and undertaking projects that are aligned to achieving the long-term economic, social and environmental objectives of society. This book aims to increase the knowledge of policymakers and corporate leaders on SRB practices.

The study on Digital Trade Facilitation in Asia and the Pacific reviews the state of play in implementation of trade facilitation and paperless trade in the Asia and the Pacific region. It also provides estimates of the trade cost reduction potential of trade facilitation implementation scenarios, from basic compliance with the WTO TFA to full digital trade facilitation. The stduy also includes a review of paperless trade provisions in regional trade agreements as well as an introduction to the Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Cross-Border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific, as new tool to accelerate digital trade facilitation implementation in the region.

The study on Services and Global Value Chains: Asia-Pacific Reality reviews the facts and issues related to the roles of services in global value chains. It provides the framework to understand and assess the linkages among different services as well as between services and manufacturing industries. It offers evidence on the contributions of services in the global value chains in Asia-Pacific region and the rest of the world. It also includes case studies about the services inputs to the value chains of specific industries in the region. The study also reviews current policy issues related to trade in services. Ultimately, the study provides lessons for Asia-Pacific economies which see services and participation in GVCs as important pathways toward sustainable development.