International Trade and Finance Association 15th International Conference
ADAPTATION TO EUROPEAN AND INTERNATIONAL ECOLOGICAL NORMS AND STANDARDS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC, HUNGARY, AND POLANDZofia Wysokinska, University of Lodz (Poland) This paper was presented at the 12th International Conference of the International Trade and Finance Association in Bangkok, Thailand, May 29-June 2, 2002. Download the Paper (PDF format) - May 29, 2002 Tell a colleague about it. Printing Tips: Select 'print as image' in the Acrobat print dialog if you have trouble printing. ABSTRACT: A review of the existing scientific literature regarding world trade, both theoretical and empirical, demonstrates the existence of a growing link between trade and protection of the natural environment, in both positive and negative directions. Some authors voice the opinion that accelerated deregulation and trade liberalization play a particularly important role in this relationship (Ekins, Folke, Constanca 1994, pp.1-12). Environmental norms and standards play a significant role in determining the competitiveness of goods and products on the international market. There are a number of different norms and standards concerning environmental management and the implementation of systems of environmental management. Among the most significant is the EMAS system and the concept of an integrated environmental management system according to ISO 14001 that is based on the fundamental elements of the Total Quality Management (TQM) idea. The aims of the within paper are: firstly, to present the results of macroeconomic comparative research concerning changes in the export and import positions of two selected groups of goods and products in three countries which have undergone systemic transformation: Poland, The Czech Republic, and Hungary. The groups of goods and products selected are: capital investment goods and products designed to improve environmental protection; goods and products which are harmful to the environment and characterized by high pollution indices. This comparative analysis is based on the OECD international classification system of goods and products. Secondly, this work presents the results of a survey of 286 enterprises in Poland concerning the relationship between the application of European and international environmental norms and standards and the enterprises’ competitiveness in both the domestic and foreign markets prior to Poland’s accession to the European Union. Presented at 12th International Conference, Bangkok, Thailand, May 2002. SUGGESTED CITATION:
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