Experience suggests that trade liberalization has contributed substantially to the remarkable growth of industrialised countries. However, for various reasons many developing countries have not yet been able to integrate successfully into global markets and reap the growth-inducing and poverty-reducing benefits of trade. This book argues that while developing countries are heavily represented in the WTO - accounting for about four-fifths of its membership - there is still plenty of scope for the world trading system to work more effectively in their interests. The book examines the achievements of the Uruguay Round of trade negotiations in reforming the world trading system and the challenges to future reforms. It begins with an overview of the genesis of the world trading system and moves on to examine the key issues as they relate to developing countries. These include further liberalization of agricultural trade; abolition of the Multifibre Arrangement; environmental and labour standards; competition policy; regional integration in South East Asia; and the implications for developing Asian countries of the liberalization of the Chinese economy and its WTO membership. Furthermore, the book discusses the links between trade liberalization and poverty reduction - drawing on the experience of Asian countries - and puts forward arguments on how trade liberalization could effect a greater reduction in poverty. This is a timely and succinct presentation of the critical issues relating to the world trading system in the context of developing countries in general, and Asia-Pacific countries in particular. It will interest and inform a wide readership including scholars and students of development and international economics, and practitioners and policymakers concerned with international trade issues and global trade relations.

Nepal has one of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world. One important factor contributing to high level of maternal and infant mortality is unintended pregnancy. This study aims to examine level and determinants of unintended pregnancy among currently pregnant married women in Nepal. The results of the study indicate that knowledge of family planning (FP) and mass media (radio) exposure are the key indicators that affect pregnancy intentions. Thus, it can be suggested that providing more exposure on radio about FP messages, other information, education and communication (IEC) program, and expansion of FP services for women in Nepal is imperative to bring the changes in the situation of unintended pregnancy. In addition, the findings also showed that women's age at first marriage has significantly negative impact on unintended pregnancy. So programs should also focus on creating awareness about marriage law and this law should be strictly implemented so that abortion, infant and maternal morbidity and mortality will be decreased and the overall health of the family can be improved with appropriate birth spacing and family size.