Trade Liberalisation is Good for the Poor Trade liberalisation refers to the reduction of barriers and the free practice of trade among countries. The barriers include tariffs, quotas and non-tariff business obstacles. As a result of the reduction or total elimination of business barriers, business efficiency, sustainability and cost effectiveness are enhanced while free trade is improved (Lall, 2000). Trade liberalisation has continued to have a profound impact on the manner in which business operations are undertaken. Whether or not trade liberalisation is good for the poor is a debatable issue (Rodrik, 1989: 1-16).In the United Kingdom, trade liberalisation has for a number of years ensured that entrepreneurship accounts for more than 60% of the country’s national income. This fact has been made possible by ensuring that the cost of consumer goods is bearable to the poor and that the level of efficiency in the production and distribution process is enhanced. This concept also ensures that a country’s overall economic growth and development are enhanced (Anderson, 2009). Thailand is a good example of a country in which free trade has led to the expansion of its manufacturing sector. The country has a very open and objective trade policy. Sadly, trade liberalisation in the country has led to a decline in the agricultural sector thus leading to the suffering of poor people and rich ones benefiting more from the ever expanding manufacturing sector (Ng & Yeats, 1997). Nevertheless, Thailand’s poor population has been improved due to trade liberalisation which has led to economic growth, reduced dependency levels, reduced cost of goods and improved quality of consumer products (Akapaiboon, 2007: 1-3). Though its income inequality levels are still high, Thailand’s cost of both food and non food components is very low. As evidenced in African countries such as South Africa, Zambia, Lesotho, Nigeria and Angola, trade liberalisation encourages improved productivity in the business environment. Subsequently, more goods and services are made available in the market. The business competitiveness strategies are also streamlined leading to the improved quality of goods being offered to the market. As is the case of Zambia, trade liberalisation has resulted in the production of cheaper yet high quality goods thus enabling the poor to lead a relatively decent lifestyle (Rodrik, 1998). To the poor in society, trade liberalisation has the benefit of bringing in more affordable goods to the market. It has the risk of exposing the public to low quality goods and services. Unless the operations of a free market are closely monitored, Smith (2009: 23-34) argues that it is possible to fill the market with sub-standard goods and services. The failure of goods undergoing quality check-up process leads to poor people in the society getting inappropriate goods. While this concept has the risk of increasing the cost of goods and services, it helps to ensure that the health standards of the citizens, whether poor or rich, are accorded the greatest possible priority. Bhagwati (2002: 41-53) explains that in China, Europe and the United States of America, trade liberalisation has proved to be very significant