What Can the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Do For You?

OECD's work on trade is about providing analysis, policy advice and guidance to create a better understanding of trade and investment liberalization and how it can lead to stronger economic growth as well as to greater integration of countries into the world economy.

Look at their work for 2009 and see how it may alter your outlook on global trade.

Assessing barriers to trade in services in the MENA region

This paper (PDF file) aims to assess barriers to service provision in the financial, telecom, and transport sectors of selected MENA countries. The analysis is focused on computation of aggregate and modal trade restrictiveness indexes (TRIs) by sector.

Overcoming Border Bottlenecks: The Costs and Benefits of Trade Facilitation

Six studies that examine how border bottlenecks affect trade and investment flows, how these bottlenecks might be reduced, and whether the expense involved is worth it.

Trade flows weaken in third quarter 2008

Merchandise export volumes of the Group of Seven countries fell 0.2% in the third quarter of 2008 compared with the previous quarter, while import volumes rose 0.4%.

Recovery and Beyond: Enhancing Competitiveness to Realise Indonesia’s Trade Potential

There is much scope for trade to enhance economic growth in Indonesia. This paper (PDF file) analyses Indonesian trade policy following the Asian Financial crisis, and identifies some key reforms that may help to increase competitiveness.

-> The video above is Ken Ash, Director for Trade for OECD who warns against protectionism as a reaction to the crisis. He outlines the course of action governments should follow.

There is much more from OECD here.