China and Vietnam in WTO. A comparative Study.

This thesis examines the economic impact of World Trade Organization (WTO) membership on developing economies, focusing on the cases of China and Vietnam. Both countries, having undergone extensive economic reforms, joined the WTO in 2001 and 2007, respectively. The study employs a mixed-method approach, integrating historical, theoretical, and empirical perspectives to analyse the effects of WTO membership on key macroeconomic indicators, including GDP growth, foreign direct investment (FDI), export performance, and industrial employment. The findings demonstrate that WTO accession significantly fostered to export growth and foreign investment inflows in both countries, with China benefiting from a broader industrial base and higher integration into global value chains. Vietnam also experienced considerable economic growth through improved market access and enhanced competitiveness in manufacturing and services. Nevertheless, the distribution of these benefits remained uneven across sectors and regions, with some challenges persisting in areas including labor rights, environmental sustainability, and income inequality. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing a comparative perspective on the developmental outcomes of trade liberalization in emerging economies. It offers practical policy recommendations for developing countries seeking to leverage WTO membership for inclusive and sustainable economic development.

This thesis examines the impact of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and its successor, the World Trade Organization (WTO), on international trade. It explores how the establishment of multilateral trade rules has contributed to trade liberalization, reduced tariffs, and enhanced market access across member countries. The research highlights the role of GATT/WTO in promoting global economic integration, resolving trade disputes, and fostering predictable and transparent trade environments. Despite certain criticisms, the study concludes that GATT/WTO has significantly influenced the growth and stability of international trade over the past decades.