Research for Trade among Nearby Economies.
Connecting academia, business and policy to explore trade opportunities through geo-proximity.
The Global South Research Initiative (GSRI) is an emerging, Bangladesh-based research initiative focused on trade among neighbouring and geographically close economies. We aim to identify commercially viable opportunities, understand the barriers that prevent them, and bring evidence to the businesses and institutions that can act.
Bangladesh is our starting point. Selected nearby trade corridors will form our initial research focus, with wider Global South collaboration as our long-term direction.
Why Geo-proximity Matters
Geographic closeness can create opportunities for shorter supply routes, complementary production and more accessible markets. Yet proximity alone does not make trade viable. Prices, quality, transport links, standards, payment arrangements and policy barriers all matter.
Tariff uncertainty and disruptions to established trade routes make diversification increasingly important. GSRI asks where nearby economies can develop additional trading relationships that strengthen resilience while preserving valuable global connections.
How GSRI Will Work
Connect academic institutions
We are building a network of universities, business schools and researchers. Faculty in participating countries will investigate their own markets using a shared research design and develop findings together.
Work with chambers and businesses
Chambers, industry associations and firms will help identify relevant questions, assess commercial feasibility and circulate credible opportunities. Where appropriate, they can facilitate introductions between interested buyers and suppliers.
Bring evidence into policy discussions
When research identifies a specific trade barrier, GSRI and its partners will present the findings to the relevant authorities for consideration.
Building a Researcher Pipeline
GSRI plans to develop researchers through practical training, mentoring and participation in collaborative studies. Its initial paid programme will build skills in research design, data collection, analysis and communication.
As the initiative grows, it will explore faculty fellowships and supervised opportunities for emerging researchers. Participation in projects will depend on demonstrated capability and available opportunities.
Our Current Stage
GSRI is in its formative stage. We are discussing the initiative with prospective trustees, advisers, faculty collaborators and institutional partners, while developing our research agenda and organisational foundations.
Our planned outputs include joint academic papers, working papers, economic bulletins, trade opportunity briefs and policy analysis.
Help Shape GSRI
We welcome conversations with universities, business schools, chambers of commerce, researchers and organisations interested in evidence-based regional trade collaboration.
Explore Our Approach · View Our Proposed Structure · Discuss a Partnership