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This research paper examines how China can align its commercial policies with a 'sustainable trade strategy' consisting of five core objectives: rebalancing the economy, promoting added value, expanding the services sector, promoting Chinese brands and intellectual property, and supporting a sustainable international trade architecture. The authors analyze China's trade evolution since joining the WTO, the limitations of traditional reciprocity-based trade agreements, and the potential for soft-law initiatives and regional cooperation to achieve sustainable development goals.

This 2010 guide by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) outlines methodologies for measuring subsidies provided to fossil-fuel producers. It highlights that such subsidies likely exceed $100 billion U.S. annually, contributing to environmental degradation. The guide categorizes producer subsidies into direct transfers, government revenue foregone, and provided goods/services, while noting significant data transparency challenges in countries like China, Indonesia, Germany, and the United States. It advocates for the development of standardized accounting practices and the potential creation of an independent subsidy accounting standards board.

This research paper examines the expansion of China's service sector and its role within a sustainable trade strategy. It analyzes the structural shift of the Chinese economy toward services, the current state of trade in services, and the challenges regarding international competitiveness and liberalization. The authors argue that service sector growth is linked to urbanization and suggest that relaxing migration restrictions and increasing competition are key to enhancing productivity and sustainability.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) details a scenario-planning exercise conducted in May 2010 to explore the future of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). The authors identify key certainties and uncertainties—such as the impact of the global financial crisis and Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations—to project four potential futures for the organization, ranging from deeper integration to total collapse.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the state of the multilateral trading system following the 2008–10 global financial crisis. It argues that a multilateral impasse is likely to persist due to a lack of leadership from the US and China, suggesting that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) must shift toward plurilateral agreements to remain relevant. The author highlights the specific challenges for South Africa, which faces a 'negotiating stretch' as it attempts to represent broader African interests while managing its own role as an emerging middle power.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the evolving relationship between China and Nigeria, specifically focusing on the Nigerian banking sector's regulatory reforms and the potential for increased Chinese investment in the financial industry to complement existing economic ties in oil, infrastructure, and agriculture.

This policy briefing analyzes how the Lisbon Treaty, which entered into force on 1 December 2009, affects the European Union's (EU) relations with Africa. The author argues that while the Treaty streamlines EU internal processes and foreign policy, Africa is likely to command less attention as the EU prioritizes its own internal financial crises, the Western Balkans, and strategic partnerships with other emerging powers. The document suggests that African leaders should diversify their economic and development partnerships beyond the EU to reduce aid and trade dependence.

A statement from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute advocating for a transition from petroleum to biofuels and biobased products to reduce national oil dependence, improve climate outcomes, and create jobs.

The GSI has developed a manual to standardize subsidy estimation methods, addressing a lack of internationally comparable data by utilizing the WTO's Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures and methodologies from various governmental and non-governmental organizations.

This report examines the tension between trade liberalization and environmental sustainability in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), highlighting how infrastructure development and illegal trade undermine ecological protections and proposing regional coordination mechanisms to address wildlife trafficking and climate change.

This case study examines how trade facilitation measures in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) may exacerbate the illegal trade of wildlife and timber by easing the movement of goods across borders, and provides recommendations for policymakers to mitigate these risks.

This report examines the conflict between ASEAN's open trade aspirations and the protectionist food policies adopted by member states during the 2007/08 food crisis. It identifies threats to regional solidarity, such as the proposed Organization for Rice Exporting Countries (OREC), and advocates for a coordinated regional approach to food security utilizing existing frameworks like AIFS and AFSIS.

This report examines food security in Indonesia, arguing that food insecurity is driven by a lack of access and affordability rather than a lack of domestic supply. It highlights the impact of the 2007/08 global food crisis and critiques the government's focus on self-sufficiency over accessibility.

This report examines the complex relationship between trade policy, climate change, and food security in mainland Southeast Asia, using Cambodia as a case study to highlight the need for holistic, participatory, and long-term policy strategies.

This case study examines the role of ecolabelling and environmental standards in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) and the wider ASEAN region, highlighting how these tools often act as trade barriers for developing countries due to high implementation costs and a lack of domestic environmental consciousness.

The action list from the 30th Meeting of the IAI Executive Council, held on 11 June 2010 in Brasilia, Brazil, outlines administrative decisions, diplomatic outreach strategies to strengthen member country relations, and the formation of a group to develop a strategic plan.

This document is a list of actions from the 30th Meeting of the Executive Council (EC) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), held in Brasilia, Brazil, on June 11, 2010.

The action list from the 29th Meeting of the IAI Executive Council outlines administrative approvals, the formation of committees for SAC member nominations and financial oversight, and the initiation of a strategic plan draft.

This document is a participant list for the 29th Executive Council (EC) meeting of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research, held on June 8, 2010, in Brasília, Brazil.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies examines the efficacy of targeted sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe's ruling elite. It details the various restrictive measures implemented by Western governments and international bodies, argues that these 'smart sanctions' have been largely ineffective due to implementation loopholes and regional support for the Mugabe regime, and suggests a conditional, middle-ground approach to lifting some restrictions to encourage political progress under the Inclusive Government.