This publication intends to review the results of trade integration in the region of the EECCA. In particular, it provides a historical background about the unfolding of the free trade agreements and a summary of existing trade preferences. The analysis then turns to an evaluation of remaining barriers to trade. The rest of the paper examines the “building blocks” of a well-functioning trade partnership, citing successful examples from other regions and comparing them with existing arrangements among the EECCA countries. It explores the opportunities that are open to the EECCA countries in order to improve the functioning of the existing regional trade agreements (RTAs) and to enlarge their scope so that they become instrumental in meeting the development goals of the region.

Symbol No. ECE/TRADE/376     Sale N°. E.06.II.E.3     ISBN 92-1-116938-0