The publication contains papers, presentations and submissions delivered at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) ad hoc expert meeting focused on the experiences of the insurance sector in India, China, Africa and Guatemala to identify to widest extent possible the problems faced by developing countries. The discussions indicated that while insurance service liberalisation and globalisation can be beneficial, they have different impacts on developed and developing countries. It was complimented by deliberations and interventions made by representatives from the...

"The Trade and Development Report 2008", subtitled 'Commodity Prices, Capital Flows and the Financing of Investment' highlights the paradox that the 'capital poor' developing world is exporting capital to the 'capital rich' developed countries. The Report suggests shifting the focus in financial policies from households 'putting more money aside' and imports of 'foreign savings', to the investment of profits and credit creation through the domestic banking system.

This publication provides a comprehensive collection of statistical data relevant to the analysis of international trade, investment and development, for individual countries and for economic and trade groupings. It presents consolidated reference statistics considered of particular importance for describing how developing countries have evolved in the context of globalization. Data are presented in an analytical way in order to facilitate their interpretation. This Handbook is a valuable tool for research, policy making and education, which can also be used in conjunction with the DVD - Rom,...