In this article we analyze whether trade and labor market liberalization affects the demand for
total, skilled and unskilled employment in the manufacturing sector. The analysis uses
Cameroonian firm-level data before (1988–91) and after (1994–01) both reforms. Comparing
treated and untreated (control) firms in a difference-in-differences framework, we find that
the reforms have been successful in boosting the demand for unskilled jobs, explaining 1.3–
9.5% increase in the demand for unskilled workers. We also find evidence of no clear effects
of reforms on total and skilled labor demand. The sector-level results do not change the previous
findings. The findings are also robust to changes in the definition of treated and control
firm