This Economic Paper presents the first analyses of the use and effectiveness of Aid for Trade (AfT), the initiative to help developing countries boost their involvement in the global economy, for small and vulnerable economies (SVEs). It examines in detail the extent to which SVEs have been able to access AfT funds and to what extent this assistance has helped them to improve their trade performance. Well designed trade-related assistance will help SVEs face the challenges posed by their characteristics, particularly when the prospects for small states have been deteriorating further due to preference erosion and the emergence of new and large competitors.