The objective of this element is to assess the trade opportunities for developing countries arising from the increasing demand for environmentally sound products in developed countries. It is also important to assess possible adverse impacts of changes in consumption patterns in the industrialized world on exports from developing countries, and the impacts of technology transfer.

In 1997, the DSD commissioned the International Institute for Environment and Development to prepare a report entitled "Unlocking Trade Opportunities - Case studies of Export Success from Developing Countries." . The report includes case-studies from various economic sectors, where producers in developing countries have benefited from export opportunities arising from changes in tastes and consumption patterns in industrialized countries.