Prospects and challenges of free trade agreements : unlocking business opportunities in gulf co ...-operation council (gcc) markets

This book assesses the effectiveness of free trade agreements (FTAs) in unlocking international business opportunities in member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). It takes an institutional perspective in explaining the existence and effects of non-tariff barriers and how FTAs can address these barriers to attract foreign investors. Prospects and Challenges with Free Trade Agreements presents the results of a study that assesses the effectiveness of free trade agreements (FTAs) in unlocking international business opportunities in member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The research takes an institutional perspective in explaining the existence and effects of non-tariff barriers and how FTAs can facilitate in addressing these barriers in order to attract foreign investors. Drawing on a survey of Australian businesses, this study examines the potential benefits and implications of an Australian-GCC FTA Front Matter....Pages i-xviii Background and Context of the Study....Pages 1-8 The Political Economy of Free Trade....Pages 9-33 GCC Market Scope and Competitiveness....Pages 34-54 GCC-Australian Trade and Investment Trends and Patterns....Pages 55-67 Challenges and Opportunities for Australian Businesses in GCC....Pages 68-92 Australia-GCC FTA: International Business Prospects and Limitations....Pages 93-121 Back Matter....Pages 122-133