Theory question 101
Transport, Trade and Tourism(a) Outline four factors which promote international trade between your country and the outside world. (b) Explain three problems involved in the trade between your country and other West African countries. (c) Suggest three solutions to the problems explained in 1(b) above.
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(a) Differences in natural resources and climate (Nigeria sells oil and cocoa, buys machinery); differences in technology; demand for foreign goods; good transport and communication links; favourable government policy and trade agreements; membership of economic groups (ECOWAS, Commonwealth); need for foreign exchange; political stability.
(b) Similar products so little to exchange; different currencies and exchange problems; poor transport links between countries; tariffs, border closures and smuggling; language differences; political disputes; ties to former colonial powers; low level of industrial production.
(c) Diversify and specialise production; common currency or easier exchange; build international roads and railways; remove tariffs (ECOWAS trade liberalisation); improve ports and border procedures; promote political stability and regional integration.
Make the solutions in (c) answer the problems in (b).