ABSTRACT
It is a truism that the future is inherently unknowable, but that is not to say that elements are not predictable. There is a general view that economic growth in the region will continue to be a significant factor driving development policy in each of these countries. As has been argued by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) (Bassanini & Scarpetta, 2001), human capital is now a major focus of government policy in most countries. Education is being seen as essential to the international competitiveness of nations because of its key role in the development of human capital. With respect to international trade, the emergence of trade in human services alongside that of manufactured goods means that how each country develops and progresses its educational reform agenda will have an impact on the sustainability of its economic and social development.
