South Africa is now well and truly part of the global economy after emerging from an inwardly looking era a mere 14 years ago. The change was felt by all South Africans, and most certainly also by local companies who entered the global market with their goods or services. This study investigates the way in which the South African automotive component manufacturing industry has entered the global market and adjusted to become globally competitive. This study is done in light of the presence of the Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP), a sector-specific industrial policy that aims at making the South African automotive industry more competitive by enabling them to export. The study has shown that the MIDP is succesful in making component manufacturers more competitive, but that its methods for doing so are varied and in some cases not direct or perhaps even intentional. The study has also illuminated the role that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) play in enabling the MIDP to affect component manufacturers and in enabling the component manufacturers to sell its products profitably in the global marketplace. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

The Agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) entered into force on 30 May 2019, and trade under the AfCFTA started on 1 January 2021. The AfCFTA adopted a Protocol on Trade in Services, which entered into force on 30 May 2019, with the aim of establishing a single market for services in Africa. Mozambique signed the AfCFTA Agreement on 23 March 2018 and is still in the process of legal review and harmonization of its domestic legislation to ratify and deposit the Agreement. This mini-dissertation examines the potential legal and regulatory challenges to overcome for the implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Services, in Mozambique, with focus on the initial five (5) priority services: transport; communication; finance; tourism and business service. The research analyses the Mozambican legal framework for the following four (4) modes of supply of these priority services in international trade: cross-border supply, consumption abroad, commercial presence, and presence of natural persons in Mozambique. The Mozambican legal framework has too many measures affecting trade in services and market access. Before the country ratifies the AfCFTA Agreement, it is important to expedite the process of updating and harmonizing its legal framework for trade in services to accord with the best practices under the AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Services. The research recommends that Mozambique must address the legal and regulatory challenges to supply of services and provide effective market access to boost intra-African trade in services. It further recommends that Mozambique must invest in capacity building and training of all public stakeholders and institutions in the trade area as well as the private sector. / Mini dissertation (LLM (International Trade and Investment Law in Africa))--University of Pretoria, 2021. / Centre for Human Rights / LLM (International Trade and Investment Law in Africa) / Unrestricted

The world of international trade is dominated by non-state entities and individuals as opposed to states. States are at the forefront in rule making and are obligated to implement the various trade rules that stem from trade agreements that they have ratified. In cases where there is non-compliance with these trade agreements, states seldom sue one another to ensure compliance at regional level. The consequences of the failure to enforce provisions laid out in trade agreement affect the non-state entities and individuals the most, as they are predominantly the drivers of international trade. The irony is that some of these trade agreements acknowledge the role of private parties in international trade and award them rights in some instances, but they rarely accord them locus standi before international adjudicative bodies to resolve their trade disputes against states. The role private parties play in regional and economic integration cannot be understated. However, there are multiple challenges that private parties face when they seek to resolve trade disputes. The main objective of this research is to interrogate the importance of awarding private parties locus standi before the AfCFTA and the RECs dispute settlement system. / Mini Dissertation (LLM (International Trade and Investment Law in Africa))--University of Pretoria, 2021. / Centre for Human Rights / LLM (International Trade and Investment Law in Africa) / Unrestricted

The importance of technology transfer for economic development can hardly be overstated. Both the acquisition of technology and its diffusion foster productivity growth. However, invention and creation processes remain overwhelmingly with the developed countries. Developing countries rely largely on imported technologies as sources of new productive knowledge and socio-economic growth. Many businesses and entities in developing countries, however, face significant obstacles in their efforts to enter into technology transfer transactions with the developed countries. These include high cost, restrictive business practices, the imperfections of state institutions, lack of adequate legal framework, institutional capabilities and arrangements to facilitate the acquisition of these technologies. As a result, many developing countries have long sought to boost technology transfers through national policies and international agreements. National policies cover a wide range of topics, including funding for technological development and acquisition, tax incentives for capital equipment purchases, and Intellectual Property Rights. Many developing nations sought a code of conduct to regulate technology transfers under United Nation auspices in the late 1970s, however till date the Code has not been adopted by member countries. In view of this many countries in the 1990s enacted legislation, regulations and supported international and multilateral arrangements and dialogues focused at supporting technology transfers in order to create a conducive climate for technology transfers to realise the multiple benefits. Ghana, also, in 1992 enacted a primary legislation with several other ancillary legislations to regulate technology transfers. In order to determine whether Ghana has in place adequate and suitable legal and institutional framework for the transfer of technology, laws that regulate the sector must be scrutinize. This study discusses the legal and regulatory framework of technology transfers in developing countries with a particular focus on Ghana. Similar regimes in Nigeria and Egypt which are viewed as having a well-established regime were examined with the aim of recommending best practices from these two countries to the Ghanaian authorities. The study reveals that the current legal and regulatory framework governing technology transfers are obsolete and there is lack of adequate institutional arrangement to regulate technology transfers. The conclusion narrates that Ghana needs to revise the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act 2013, Act 865 and Technology Transfer Regulations 1992, LI 1547 the primary legislations governing technology transfers in other to enhance the current framework. Also, Ghana can learn best practices from Nigeria and Egypt where there is well-developed regulatory framework for technology transfers. / Mini Dissertation (LLM (International Trade and Investment law in Africa))--University of Pretoria ,2021. / Centre for Human Rights / LLM (International Trade and Investment law in Africa) / Unrestricted

The international trade in agriculture and food markets are characterised by extensive use of regulatory measures. Most of the measures used comprise Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). The use of regulatory measures between members can be asymmetric. This implies that one partner implements more regulatory measures than another might. This can lead to trade imbalance or be viewed as trade barriers by exporters. Global exporters of agri-food products to the European Union (EU) need to comply with more regulatory measures than for any other region. These measures apply to all exporting countries, regardless of trade agreements. South Africa has signed two free trade agreements with the EU since the beginning of the 21st century. These free trade agreements imply that South African exports in general to the EU would be expected to increase and vice versa. However, in the case of South African beef exports to the EU, these declined from 2000 to 2019. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of EU regulatory measures on South African beef exports to the EU. From this perspective, four objectives were specified in pursuit of this aim, namely to: (1) determine whether there were significant differences in the number of regulatory measures between the EU and South Africa; (2) determine whether the EU regulatory measures affected South African beef exports to the EU; (3) determine whether the EU regulatory measures affected South African beef exports to other trade partners; and (4) evaluate other factors affecting South African beef exports to the EU. The study used t-tests and a gravity model to address the specific objectives. A panel data set from 1992 to 2019 was used, which covered six trade partners. These were: the EU, SADC, the Rest of other African countries, the Middle East, China, and the Rest of the world. The gravity model was conducted using pooled, fixed and random effects. Later, the best model selection tests were conducted. At first, the study did the poolability test, which was followed by the Hausman test. The study found that from 1992 to 1999, the EU was the leading importer of South African beef. However, from 2000 to 2019, the EU imports of South African beef declined. These exports were diverted to other trading partners. The study found that from 2000 to 2011, the SADC was the main importer of South African beef. From 2012 to 2019, the Middle East, China, and the SADC became the leading beef importers of South African beef. The study also found that there were significant differences in the numbers of regulatory measures. It was revealed that there were both asymmetric regulatory measures and trade arrangements between the EU and South Africa. At first, the EU tariffs were high as compared with the regulatory measures. But later, when the tariffs reduced, the EU increased the regulatory measures. It was found that the EU regulatory measures negatively affected South African beef exports to the EU, while they positively affected South African beef exports to all other partners. Lastly, it was found that the EU tariffs negatively affected South African beef exports to the EU. The reduction in tariffs reduced the trade cost; hence, South African beef exports to the EU were expected to have increased. On other factors that have affected South African beef exports to the EU, the study found that the EU GDP positively affected South African beef exports to the EU. Furthermore, the EU population was found to have a negative effect, and the EU exchange rate was insignificant in determining beef exports. This study recommended that there should be negotiations on the use of regulatory measures. Secondly, there should be a development of mutual recognition between the parties. Lastly, policymakers should review regulatory measures to improve South African beef exports to the EU. / Mini Dissertation (MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics))--University of Pretoria, 2021. / Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development / MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics) / Unrestricted

"Is the SADC Trade Protocol adequate to meet its stated objectives and to address the problems of limited intra-SADC trade?" This thesis will argue that although the protocol has had some impact on intra-regional trade, some provisions contained within it remain a barrier to trade. The thesis will focus on how the SADC protocol on trade can address solve the problems of intra-SADC trade. It will be argued that certain provisions within the Protocol undermine the objectives of the protocol as outlined in Article 2. These provisions include but are not limited to the rules of origin, non-harmonization of external tariffs, derogations to the elimination of barriers in intra-SADC trade provisions found in Article 3, and inadequately tackling non-tariff measures. In examining the protocol, reference will be made to the similar provisions contained in the East African Community (EAC).

To be able to offer a deeper understanding of the topic this work will first examine the concept of legal personality, its meaning and application in the legal framework of international law over the years. Without claiming advanced technological knowledge in scientific areas like robotics and engineering the paper will then try to present some basic overview over the latest developments concerning Artificial Intelligence, such as quantum computing and emotional intelligence. Consequently some suggestions about possibilities of connecting these two topics will be made. The questions introduced will engage with the nature and different forms of legal personhood, its connection to intelligence, autonomy and/or consciousness. This paper aims to create a more practical and not a general, hypothetical idea of how an AI agent could be granted international legal personality and what could be the possible effects of that (for example rights and obligations). For this purpose it will focus on the recognised subjects of international law and examine on their example an AI agent as a possible future actor in international legal relationships. Subject of reference will be international law and recent developments in EU law, such as the European Parliament initiative to regulate Artificial Intelligence as well as some regulations and “visions” of national legislation, for example Estonia and China. Consequently the dangers of granting legal personhood to AI agents will be presented and discussed. The arguments against the creation of a “technical veil” will be examined closely. The work will then refer to possible advantages and positive aspects of an AI’s legal personhood under international law. In the final chapter a conclusion and some recommendation will be made.

In 2015, the “Migrant Crisis” caused panic in Europe, with Europe experiencing a high number of migrants arriving from the sea. Some countries increasing their bans on migrants and other limiting their migrant intake, the repercussions faced by the migrants in Libya have been atrocious. Soon, there were various reports exposing the abuse that the migrants were facing en route to Europe, one of these being slavery. Libya is the main transit route for migrants on their way to Europe and as a result, Libya has been facing a large influx of migrants. These migrants travel to Libya with the aim of being smuggled across the sea in the hopes of penetrating European borders and seeking asylum. Unfortunately, these migrants have found themselves to be victims of grave human rights abuses, including the crime of slavery. In 2017, CNN aired the first video footage that exposed the slave trade taking place in Libya. The thesis focuses on the potential accountability of the Libyan Government, the African Union, the European Union and the United Nations. It focuses on the relevant regional and international instruments and principles, including the Responsibility to Protect doctrine. Through various reports, it looks at the abuses the migrants are facing and which parties are responsible for these abuses. The thesis finds that whilst all bodies contributed to the crisis, and all bodies reacted, there are clear indications of some of them not working at their full capacity. However, as the thesis deals mainly with regional and international bodies, their accountability is limited

Antidumping policies have developed into essential trade elements in the local and global markets as they can facilitate the adoption of favorable trade policies. The introduction of antidumping policies in South Africa across GVCs has remained instrumental as they have directly influenced the social and economic structures of GVCs and local businesses operating in the region. Anti-dumping policies remain crucial in the development of a competitive and fair business environment. The study explores the impact of anti-dumping policies on GVCs in South Africa through a review of the economic, financial, cultural and social influences of the policies on the local businesses and environment. The review of anti-dumping policies and consequent impact on GVCs remained crucial in the identification of the importance and impact of policy on local and global businesses. The analysis provides an exploration of the impact of globalization and a changing business environment on the workings of an organization and the global market. The study adopts a quantitative analysis that utilized correlation analysis in identifying the impact of anti-dumping policies on GVCs. The results highlight the importance of anti-dumping policies and consequent impact GVCs in South Africa. The majority of the study respondents maintain that the adopted anti-dumping measures remained in-line with the adopted global trade objectives, but also highlighted the existence of a shortfall within the policy implementation process in South Africa. The majority of the respondents maintain that there was no need to remove the historically adopted policies as they remain relevant to the modern day trade processes. However, the study respondents maintain that several additions and changes may be incorporated to cater to the changing trade needs presented by the market. The adoption of recommendations would facilitate the development of a strong trade policy that would promote the strengthening of regional ties. Therefore, the majority of respondents remained in favor of the AD policies in relation to competitive policies and promoted the adoption of additional policies relating to the reduction of labor disruptions, improved infrastructure and the education system. The development of effective manufacturing and implementation systems together with adoption of effective logistical processes would facilitate the adoption and success of the existent trade regulations.

Climate change is one of the greatest problems confronting the world today. It threatens many economies, health systems, and livelihoods, especially for the rural poor in many developing countries. As a consequence, climate change is increasingly generating global concerns and receiving global attention. This emergent trend is accompanied by rising recognition of the role played by international trade in environmental goods (EGs) as a means to deal with the environmental pressures associated with climate change. Trade liberalization in EGs plays an important role in the diffusion of cost effective environmental goods and services, thus advancing global climate change action and sustainable development. Paragraph 31 (iii) of the Doha Ministerial Declaration of 2001 provides a mandate to WTO members to enter into multilateral negotiations on 'the reduction, or the elimination of tariffs and non-tariff barriers (NTBs) to environmental goods and services. To this end, some WTO members are currently negotiating a plurilateral pact (Environmental Goods Agreement) with the view to move beyond the long impasse in the Doha Round of negotiations. The impasse in the Doha round of negotiations is attributed to a number of contentious issues, with the lack of a universally agreed definition on what constitutes environmental goods and services being the most sensitive one. In light of the increasing global demand for EGs, most emerging economies are experiencing higher growth rates relative to developed countries and are expected to grow even faster in the future. Furthermore, emerging economies, including South Africa, are increasingly becoming important exporters and importers of EGs and stand to benefit from existing and potential export opportunities in the global market. The South African environmental goods and services industry is strong yet small in terms of international standards. However, considering its growth rate over the past few years, it is interesting to note that it is considered as an important exporter and importer of some environmental goods and services. Against this background, the aim of the study is to examine if South Africa is currently exploiting potential bilateral trade opportunities in select developed (United States of America, United Kingdom and Germany) and emerging (Brazil, India and China) economies or trade is limited due to high MFN tariffs. The results of the trade-chilling analysis indicate that trade between South Africa and the select group of economies is limited. However, the limited or lack of bilateral trade cannot be attributed to high tariffs and may be as a result of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs). The analysis also revealed areas of export opportunities for South Africa to explore and expand future exports to the selected markets. Although there were few areas where high tariffs were responsible for the limited bilateral trade, the results of the study suggest that low tariffs are imposed in most of the EGs exported by South Africa. For trade policy practitioners and negotiators, the implication of this study is that NTBs are important obstacles to EGs trade and should be given close attention in the context of WTO negotiations. For this reason, further studies aimed at identifying NTBs responsible for limited bilateral trade is important as this will enable international trade policy practitioners to enhance their understanding and to effectively address them, thus improving South Africa's export prospects in the selected markets. For businesses, the study results provide valuable export market information which identifies areas of export opportunities to focus on in the future.