To what extent can free trade promote economic development and economic growth in LEDCs (30 marks)
Trade protection is the process of erecting barriers to trade, such as taxes on imports, called tariffs, and trade liberalisation is the process of making trade free from such barriers. Free trade its natural course without tariffs, quotas, or other restrictions.
Developing countries can benefit from free trade by increasing their amount of or access to economic resources. Nations usually have limited economic resources. Economic resources include land, labour and capital. Small developing nations often have the lowest amounts of natural resources in the economic marketplace. Free trade agreements ensure small nations can obtain the economic resources needed to produce consumer goods or services. This shows economic growth as there is an increase in the economy's productive potential and they can produce efficiently. However, it is argued that free trade can harm the environment because LEDC may use up natural reserves of raw materials to export. Also countries with strict pollution control may find consumers import the goods from other countries where legislation is lax and pollution is allowed. However, supporters of free trade would argue that it is up to individual countries to create environmental legislation.

Free trade usually improves the quality of life. Nations can import goods that are not readily available within their borders. Importing goods may be cheaper for a developing country than attempting to produce consumer goods or services within their borders. Many developing nations do not have the production processes available for converting raw materials into valuable consumer goods. Developing countries may also be able to import goods more often. Importing from other countries ensures a constant flow of goods that are readily available for consumption. This leads to economic development as employment increase, meaning there is more income leading to food, shelter, health and protection. However, import taxes can be used to raise money for the government , but that will only be a small amount o money. Countries like the UK can't afford to cut tarrif.

Developing nations have international threats. Developing strategic free trade relations with more powerful countries can help ensure a developing nation has additional protection from international threats. Developing countries can also use free trade agreements to improve their military strength and their internal infrastructure, as well as to improve politically. This benefit allows developing countries to learn how they should govern their economy and what types of government policies can best benefit their people.

Developing countries can use free trade to improve their production efficiency. Most nations are capable of producing some type of goods or service. However, a lack of knowledge or proper resources can make production inefficient or ineffective. Free trade allows developing countries to fill in the gaps regarding their production processes. Some may also visit foreign countries to increase education or experience in specific production or business methods. These individuals can then bring back crucial information about improving the production processes.