One problem is just how do we define local ?

Locally grown, or imported and packaged locally, or just a label being added to the container.

Locally manufactured, just what proportion of components must NOT be imported; what percentage of final production cost relates to local construction, provision of materials, intellectual costing....

What percentage of not local arises due international offset arrangements...

How much will promoting "local" alter consumer prices as paid by local consumers for this product ?

Local sounds nice, but as production has developed it is not so easy to determine... or label.

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"Local" is easily defined and graduated according to percentage of components, production methods and even proximity to the marketplace.

The issue is context - what applies to international trade blocks who are playing on a more or less level playing field (and have agreed balancing mechanisms) is very different for emerging economies who are struggling to meet even domestic demands.

One man's "Buy Local" (to stimulate economic growth in the absence of a healthy and fair regional partnership) is another man's protectionism. Buying local in Timor Leste is the former and buying local in USA is the latter.

This is especially true of the presence of foreign entities who are working in emerging economies and who require good and services that may be available locally. The impact on that local purchase is enormous (yes, there are formulae to measure such impact) and for any foreign entity that is truly serious about assisting their host nation - "Buy Local" is the best way to prove it.

Until emerging economies are able to compete on that level playing field they deserve at least that consideration.