Aid for Trade in Developing Countries : Complex Linkages for Real Effectiveness

Aid for trade is intended to support the integration of developing countries into the world trading system. Although this form of aid is being hailed as a promising new development tool, it lacks the strategic dimension that it needs if it is to be truly effective and fulfil donors‘ policy commitments. From a theoretical perspective, this paper presents the various aid-for-trade categories and analyses the linkages between foreign direct investment, aid for trade and development. It also presents a typology of trade-related needs for a panel of countries, to serve as a guide for donors in formulating their aid supply strategies.