Economics 0455 · IGCSE · International specialisation

International specialisation — practice question

Malaysia used to focus mainly on producing and exporting natural rubber. Making natural rubber was highly labour-intensive. Even though it is still among the world’s top 5 exporters of natural rubber, Malaysia has shifted towards manufacturing goods that use natural rubber rather than simply producing and exporting this primary product.
(a)[2]

Name two primary-sector products, apart from natural rubber.

(b)[4]

Explain two reasons why a country may alter its specialisation.

(c)[6]

Analyse the economic advantages for a country of producing manufactured goods rather than primary-sector products.

(d)[8]

Discuss whether labour-intensive production will damage an economy or not.

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