2016 has been a year of trade setbacks, from Brexit’s likely implications to questions over U.S. support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership. But there has been one bright spot: the growing popularity of “aid for trade,” a set of policies aimed at helping developing countries take advantage of international market openings.
In fact despite the protectionist rhetoric worldwide, 2017 will likely see more developing countries participating in trade than ever before.
PACER Plus, an agreement between Australia, New Zealand and Pacific island nations to promote economic development through greater regional trade and economic integration, will be signed by the end of 2016.