This book explores the role of cities in the trade liberalization process in the global economy and their efforts to enhance the competitiveness of cities. Cities have become the primary actors in the trade liberalization process, both in North America and Europe. It is their efforts to design strategic responses, to create city networks, to influence priorities for public expenditures, and to enhance their own competitiveness that are vital to the realization of the potential for increased efficiency and higher incomes which free-trade promises.

This work examines the impact of trade liberalization on the urban economy through case studies of urban areas along the U.S.-Canadian border, in the European Community, and in Scandinavia. The findings will be of interest to scholars in development economics and international trade and to practitioners and policy-makers involved in urban economic development.