This book examines the evolution of trade and trade patterns in Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) and assesses the implications of these patterns on structural change and economic development within transition economies. Taking the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989 as a starting point, the authors discuss the transition of former communist CEE countries from centrally planned to market-driven economies, arguing that trade was the primary engine for the economic growth and transition process they experienced. The chapters in this book incorporate the results of previous studies - some of which are based on original research conducted by the authors - dedicated to the integration process of international and European trade. More importantly, the authors look at the broader aspects of structural change and economic development, indeed the whole process of economic transformation. Thus, the book moves well beyond the core 'trade and growth' framework to look at technologicalprogress, foreign investment, institutional development and structural change in Central and Eastern European countries.

Autorentext

Anca M. Voicu is Associate Professor of Economics at Rollins College, USA. She was awarded her PhD in Economics from the University of Birmingham, UK, and previously studied at the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest, Romania. Her research interests and publications are mainly focused on area studies with an emphasis on Central and Eastern European economies, trade modelling and forecasting, and environmental economics.

Somnath Sen is Emeritus Professor of Development Economics at the University of Birmingham, UK. He has also been a Visiting Professor at Rollins College, USA. He has published five books and more than fifty papers. His main areas of expertise are economic development and globalisation.

Inmaculada Martinez-Zarzoso is Professor of Economics at the University of Göttingen, Germany. She received her PhD in Economics from the University of Birmingham, UK, and currently holds a professorship at the Jaume I University, Spain. She has published extensively in international peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of International Economics, Review of International Economics and Journal of Common Market Studies.****

Inhalt
1. Introduction: The journey begins2. Central and Eastern Europe: A brief history of trade between 1945-19893. The Fall of the Iron Curtain: Can the Central and East European Countries (CEECs) Face the Challenge of Trade-Restructuring and Integration?4. CEECs and EU in Trade Expansion and Market Structures5. Foreign direct investment6. The role of domestic institutions7. Structural Change and Transformation within the Transition Economies8. Economic performance of six economies of Central and Eastern Europe9. Conclusion: Back to the Future.