Toward a General Theory of Customs Union for Developing Countries

摘要

The present study attempts to lay a cornerstone for a more general theory of customs unions in less-developed countries (LDCs). The conditions under which a protectionist policy makes good sense are not examined; rather industrialization is accepted as a legitimate policy goal and membership in a CU is considered insofar as it may enable an LDC to achieve more economically the ends served by protection.