ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the theoretical framework upon which the analysis was developed by examining the theoretical considerations underlying the correlation between the law, the regionalism and the development. The various aspects of this correlation were used to develop the concept of the regional developmentalism through the law. Highlighting the need for the legal processes to be adapted to the particular circumstances of the countries involved in specific regional schemes, the analysis identified various strategies adopted in different regions in order to promote economic growth and sustainable development. These strategies include market access, trade liberalisation, sectoral integration, the establishment of a regional production base and trade facilitation. While supranational institutions could be used to coordinate various programmes and projects conducted under a specific regional scheme, intergovernmental institutions often provide the general vision and main objectives to be achieved by the region.
