DEVELOPMENT Solutions (DS) work focuses on implementing trade-related policy, capacity building, energy and environment, and business facilitation projects in emerging markets for the European Commission and other international donor organisations. With regional offices in Europe, Russia and Asia, as well as an extensive network of global partners, DS has considerable experience in designing, coordinating and delivering international policy projects. In the area of trade policy research, DS has recently implemented a Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment for the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and China and previously delivered the study into Future Opportunities and Challenges in EU-China Trade and Investment Relations 2006-2010. DS has just concluded implementing a Study on the Existing Level of Liberalisation in Selected Service Sectors and is also currently implementing the EU-Andean Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment. More information regarding DS is available atwww.development-solutions.eu
The University of Manchester School of Environment and Development (SED) is one of Europe’s largest university-based units specialising in Sustainable Trade and Development. The SED hosts the Impact Assessment Research Centre (IARC) which actively promotes knowledge and practice of trade related Impact Assessment. By encouraging an integrated approach to impact assessment, the IARC seeks to strengthen the linkages between different impact assessment methodologies and practices. SED previously led the Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment for the EU-Mercosur Trade Negotiations from 2006 to 2008 and also led the Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment for the Euro-Mediterranean Free Trade Area from 2004 to 2006. SED is also currently implementing the EU-Andean Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment. More information regarding SED is available at www.sed.manchester.ac.uk
The Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) comprises a network of over 700 researchers based in over 237 different institutions in 28 countries (90% in the European Union), who collaborate through the centre in policy research and its dissemination. CEPR has made contributions to a wide range of European policy issues for over two decades and implemented the computable general equilibrium modelling portion of the Study on the Economic Impact of a Potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Union and South Korea. CEPR experts have been implementing the trade modelling portion of the DG Trade funded Study on Non-Tariff Barriers to EU-US Trade and Investment. The study is designed to complement the Transatlantic Economic Framework to further help strengthen EU-US economic integration launched by the 2007 EU-US Summit. CEPR’s teams of experts are regularly involved in international projects in the areas of database development, computable general equilibrium modelling and gravity modelling. CEPR is also currently implementing the EU-Andean Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment. More information about CEPR is available at www.cepr.org
MEC International Ltd provides tailored consulting and marketing services in the Gulf, Middle East and Central Asian markets. MEC works with its clients on a project-by-project basis, utilising its range of 40 senior level consultants drawn from diplomacy, commerce, banking, financial services, journalism, IT and academia. Since 1999 MEC has produced a widely respected Annual Business Assessment on Libya, which is marketed to investors who seek further knowledge on the prevailing economic and political climate in Libya. In early 2008 MEC conducted a social policy assessment entitled Libya: Compensation for Confiscated Property. The project team evaluated legal texts, Libyan departmental responsibilities, applications for compensation, timing and provided a series of recommendations for action. A significant portion of research activities took place on the ground in Libya using interviews with Libyan officials, other claimants, and foreign diplomats. More information about MEC International is available at www.meconsult.co.uk
