Global trade slowed down in the post-2008 period due to 2007-08 Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and the Covid-19 pandemic which had various drastic adverse economic and social impacts on the global economy affected developing nations which slow the progress to
meet the United Nations 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). International trade and foreign capital flows (i.e., external finance such as foreign direct investment, foreign aid, and export earnings from trade) have been regarded as a vital resource in
supplementing domestic resources for economic and social development. These factors play a crucial role for the public and private sector growth, relieve foreign exchange bottlenecks, social development and improve welfare of the individual households.
Examine the linkages between trade and sustainable development goal 8 (Decent jobs for All) the effects of GFC and the Covid-19 pandemic in the context of developing countries. Address the issues of job creation (SDGs 8, 9) to improve their economic growth and social development. How will decline in trade levels
impact on trade-related SDGs of the developing countries in Asian and African nations, and Caribbean and the Pacific (for the small islands nations).
In addressing SDGs 8, 9, 10 and 17 how can decent work and economic growth, and aid for trade for economic and social development (rural development and livelihoods, poverty reduction and business enterprises micro, small-medium
enterprises) address the concerns of low levels of global trade in developing countries amongst the Commonwealth developing nations? Give some policy implications to address these concerns.
