Small states face serious challenges for development due to their size, remoteness and vulnerability. In recent years, the prospects for small states have deteriorated further due to preference erosion and the emergence of larger competitors such as India and China. "Working Smart and Small" suggests how small states can reposition themselves in the global economy and move into knowledge-based and service industries. Part I provides an overview of general factors stimulating or constraining the development of services sector and trade in services. It also identifies key trends and provides analysis. Part II gives six case study examples of how some small states have promoted knowledge-based and service industries in their economies. The small states studied, from different regions and income groups, are Botswana, Mauritius, St. Lucia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and Vanuatu.The studies cover the performance and supporting factors in five promising service sectors: the financial sector, information and communication technologies, education, professional services and tourism. Part III considers the policy implications. This book will be of particular interest to economic policy-makers and researchers working on issues of concern to small states.
1 Introduction 1
Pt. I The importance of services for small states 3
2 Being small : old and new challenges 5
3 Opportunities for small states 13
4 Performance and trends of services and knowledge-based industries in small states 17
5 Developing trade in services : a framework 33
Pt. II Country case studies on developing trade in services in small states 41
6 Botswana 43
7 Mauritius 59
8 St. Lucia 79
9 Singapore 91
10 United Arab Emirates 105
11 Vanuatu 117
Pt. III Conclusions and implications 135
12 Conclusions and implications 137
References 145
Appendix 149