|
on Central and Western Asia |
| By: | Amit Shovon Ray (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Rela) |
| Abstract: | India's emergence in the world economy over the last decade, has often, in popular discourse, been attributed, at least to a large extent, to its sustained efforts towards technological learning and capacity building. In this paper we present an overview of India's technological trajectory with a view to understanding the nuances of India's technological capability and the role it has played in the process of India's economic progress. Our conclusion is that while India has successfully nurtured its high-end human capital for technological learning and is poised for a smooth transition to a knowledge economy, there has been a tragic neglect of low end human capital investment for productivity gains in mass manufacturing. This can not be ignored while carving out an appropriate technological strategy for India for a sustainable and "inclusive" growth process |
| Keywords: | India, Technological Capability, Learning, TFP, IPR |
| JEL: | O3 O31 O33 O34 O38 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ind:icrier:227&r=cwa |
| By: | Alan Heston (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Rela) |
| Abstract: | Comparisons of India and China have been made for over 50 years. This paper focuses on purchasing power estimates in China and India in the 2005 round of the UN International Comparison Programme (ICP) that was coordinated by the World Bank, the Regional Banks and Economic Commissions. The 2005 ICP round provides estimates of purchasing power parities (PPPs) of currencies and real product per capita for 146 countries, and the results for China and India are discussed in the context of the size of these economies. It also provides insights into the prospects of future economic growth in China and India as also policy recommendations for China and the likely scenarios in the future. |
| Keywords: | purchasing power, China, India, economic growth, tertiary sector,capital stock |
| JEL: | O14 J24 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ind:icrier:229&r=cwa |
| By: | Przemyslaw Kowalski; Nora Dihel |
| Abstract: | This study examines economic implications of India’s trade and trade policy reforms during the period from 1990 to 2007. It first describes India’s economic growth and the composition and performance of its trade at the product and broad sector level. Next, recent reforms and the current trade policy stance are assessed and recommendations for further policy reforms are discussed. The impact of India’s openness on its total factor productivity is also addressed. The analysis shows that India has gone a long way in reducing its tariffs on non-agricultural products as well as selected non-tariff barriers and that this had a positive impact on the economy. Nevertheless, moderate to high protection still persists and adds to the hurdles faced by Indian enterprises. Overall, India’s pattern of specialisation is still affected by the pre- 1990s policies; while certain services have recently performed very well, their high reliance on skilled labour and capital means they can only address a small portion of the Indian jobless growth problem. India’s endowment structure and the recent services-dominated export profile suggest that it needs to improve conditions for the development of its manufacturing sector, with a particular emphasis—at this stage—on labour-intensive activities. The remaining goods and services trade barriers combine with domestic red tape, infrastructure bottlenecks and factor markets rigidities that restrict new entry and competition to keep India’s competitiveness, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing, at relatively low levels. In an effort to offset the remaining protection, India has developed a complex system of duty exemption schemes, special investment and establishment rules and special economic zones (SEZs) that provide incentives particularly to exporting firms. The paper argues that, while such a policy can have important demonstration effects, across-the-board reduction of trade and business barriers could have more beneficial economy-wide and export effects. |
| Keywords: | productivity, trade, services, tariffs, revealed comparative advantage, manufacturing, India, services trade barriers, special economic zones |
| Date: | 2009–05–19 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:traaab:88-en&r=cwa |
| By: | Desh Gupta |
| Abstract: | This paper explains the complex of factors in the weakening of the Congress Party from the height of its power at the centre in 1984. They are connected with the rise of state and regional-based parties, the greater acceptability of BJP as an alternative in some of the states and at the Centre, and as a partner to some of the state-based parties, which are in competition with Congress. In addition, it demonstrates that even as the dominance of Congress has diminished, there have been substantial improvements in the economic performance and primary education enrolment. It is argued that V.P. Singh played an important role both in the diminishing of the Congress Party and in India’s improved economic performance. Competition between BJP and Congress has led to increased focus on improved governance. Congress improved its position in the 2009 Parliamentary elections and the reasons for this are briefly covered. But this does not guarantee an improved performance in the future. Whatever the outcomes of the future elections, India’s reforms are likely to continue and India’s economic future remains bright. Increased political contestability has increased focus on governance by Congress, BJP and even state-based and regional parties. This should ensure improved economic and outcomes and implementation of policies. |
| Keywords: | Indian Elections, Congress Party's Performance, Governance, Nutrition, Economic Efficiency, Productivity, Economic Reforms, Fiscal Consolidation |
| JEL: | O5 N4 M2 H6 |
| Date: | 2009 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pas:asarcc:2009-06&r=cwa |
| By: | Ravindra H Dholakia |
| Abstract: | Gujarat, West Bengal, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala and Tamil Nadu were the major contributors to the growth acceleration in India after 1991-92. Although the Regional Disparity may increase temporarily, causality test provides support to the hypothesis about spread effects. The Regional growth targets assigned by the 11th Plan in India seem to rely on the spread effects of economic growth acceleration in the better off states to achieve its 9 percent growth target and reduce regional disparity in the long run. To strengthen spread effects, the domestic economy should be further integrated and interlinked with free flow of goods, services and factors of production.[IIMA WP no. 2009-03-06] |
| Keywords: | India; growth acceleration; regional growth; regional sources; regional disparity; contribution of state in growth acceleration; gross state domestic product |
| Date: | 2009 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ess:wpaper:id:2010&r=cwa |
| By: | Aurelio Volpe (CSIL Centre for Industrial Studies); Laura De Carli (CSIL Centre for Industrial Studies) |
| Abstract: | This report offers a comprehensive picture of the major household appliances market in India, providing data on household appliances production and consumption, imports and exports, distribution and prices as well as data on competitive system and company profiles of the major players in India. Products considered in our definition of major household appliances are: refrigerators and freezers, washing machines, dishwashers, hoods, microwave ovens, cooking appliances (ranges/hobs), built-in ovens, air conditioners. Kitchen furniture are also considered in the field of research as a separate issue, with data on international trade, competitive system, prices and costs. The chapters on the competitive system analyse sales and market shares of the major Indian household appliances manufacturers. Values are broken down by market segment: refrigerators and freezers; washing machines; dishwashers; microwave ovens; cooking appliances; built-in ovens; hoods; air conditioners; small appliances. Profiles of the main players in the household appliances sector in India are also available. A breakdown of household appliances exports and imports in India is provided by country and by geographical area, by market segment: Refrigerators and freezers, Clothes washers and driers, Dishwashing machines, Kitchen hoods, Microwave ovens, Ranges/hobs and ovens. The section on household appliances distribution in India offers an overview of the major Indian appliances chains. |
| JEL: | L11 L22 L68 |
| Date: | 2008–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mst:csilre:ap18&r=cwa |
| By: | Shefali Sharma |
| Abstract: | The paper broadly examines the core trade interests of the EU and India, the content of the negotiations and outlines some key concerns of a potential deal for India in the areas of goods, services and investments, intellectual property rights and government procurement. The final content of a free trade deal between the two holds major implications for policy space, livelihoods and other public interest concerns for India. The objective of the paper is to highlight some of the key concerns of a potential FTA that deserve critical attention based on a wider political economical perspective. [WP No. 11]. |
| Keywords: | government, FTA, economical, India, EU, investments, services, investments, intellectual property rights, |
| Date: | 2009 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ess:wpaper:id:2031&r=cwa |
| By: | Swaran Singh |
| Abstract: | China and India, Asia's two largest and most dynamic societies, have come to be important players in regional and global decision-making. Both countries have had their share of experience in colonial subjugation and both spent their initial post liberalization decades experimenting with planned economic systems inspired by anti-capitalist/ anti-imperialist model. In the new phase of their expanding economic engagement and political rapprochement, both China and India have begun to conceptualize the evolving new multifaceted contours in their interactions. The paper tries to evolve the links that are beginning to unfold the political implications of this rapprochement. The paper also makes some specific propositions like how China-India border trade can be evolved to facilitate evolution of solutions to this complicated boundary question between these two countries.[CSH OP no.10] |
| Keywords: | India; China; economic engagement; mutual confidence; political rapprochement; trade; India’s intermittent economic reforms; oriental commerce; great depression period; post liberalization economic engagement; bilateral trade; confidence building measures; China-India partnership; bilateral economic engagement. |
| Date: | 2009 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ess:wpaper:id:2013&r=cwa |
| By: | Arpita Mukherjee (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Rela); Ramneet Goswami (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Rela) |
| Abstract: | Energy plays a vital role in the development of any economy and given its unequal distribution trade in energy, especially fossil fuels, is an important component of international trade. In the past, due to its public good characteristics, energy-related services were mostly supplied by the government. With liberalization and globalization the sector underwent significant transformation. Many new services developed and large multinationals emerged which increased global trade in energy services. Energy services is now an important component of all trade agreements. In the above context, this paper examines India's opportunities and constraints to trade in energy services within the GATS framework. The study found that India has the capability of exporting high-skilled manpower at competitive prices but is facing various market access, discriminatory and regulatory barriers in markets of export interest. With the entry of energy- producing countries such as Saudi Arabia into the WTO, the Doha negotiations provide an important platform to offensively push for liberalization in this sector. India needs foreign investment, technical know-how and international best practices in energy. The country has progressively liberalized this sector and there are no major entry barriers. However, India has not been successful in attracting large foreign investment and technology. This is due to various domestic barriers which make it difficult to set up a competitive operation. The study lists the reform measures which will help the sector become globally competitive, protect the interests of consumers and meet the energy needs of society. Since this sector is sensitive and is closely monitored by governments across the world, government-to-government collaborations would ease the entry process for Indian companies in foreign markets, diversify our energy resource base and improve energy security |
| Keywords: | GATS, Energy, Trade, India & the WTO |
| JEL: | F13 F14 L71 L72 L94 L95 Q4 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ind:icrier:231&r=cwa |
| By: | Aurelio Volpe (CSIL Centre for Industrial Studies) |
| Abstract: | This report offers an overview of the lighting fixtures market in India providing trends on lighting fixtures production and consumption, imports and exports, distribution. The lighting fixtures market is broken down by segment (residential lighting, commercial lighting, industrial lighting, outdoor lighting). A breakdown of the Indian lighting fixtures imports and exports is provided by country and geographical area.Reference prices are given for the main lighting products. An overview on the average turnover per employee and the labour cost is also provided. An analysis of the lighting fixtures distribution in India is offered with a particular attention to the retailing sector, building activity and contract market. An overview of competitive system is outlined, with data on lighting fixtures sales and market shares for the major lighting fixtures companies present in the Indian market, for each segment: residential lighting, commercial lighting, industrial lighting, outdoor lighting. Short profiles of the major Indian companies operating in the lighting fixtures sector are also included. Macroeconomic indicators with information on Indian economy, population, per capita income, consumer markets, GDP, tourism sector are also provided. |
| JEL: | L11 L22 L68 L81 |
| Date: | 2008–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mst:csilre:s33&r=cwa |
| By: | Chaisse Julien |
| Abstract: | The 1994 Marrakesh Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization (the WTO Agreement), requires each WTO member to “ensure the conformity of its laws, regulations and administrative procedures with its obligations as provided in the annexed Agreements.” It is natural for the issue of WTO conformity to be a subject of much attention if it should arise in the most representative and the only compulsory dispute settlement in the world. It is this conformity that the paper deals with. The paper analyzes legal issues that arise in the overall context of WTO conformity of Indian law with India’s WTO obligations. The substantive issue that most prominently emerges here is patent protection in the field of pharmaceutical, agricultural and chemical products, together with the issue of legality of acts or omissions of the Indian executive and the competence of WTO panels to decide on them. |
| Keywords: | WTO; Dispute; Conformity; Law; WTO Agreements; Dispute Settlement Body; Appellate Body; India; Domestic Law; GATT; Trade; WTO Law |
| Date: | 2009 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ess:wpaper:id:2025&r=cwa |
| By: | Bart Van Ark (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Rela); Abdul Azeez (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Rela); Erumban Vivian Chen (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Rela); Chen Utsav Kumar (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Rela) |
| Abstract: | This paper focuses on comparisons of productivity, (unit) labor cost and industry-level competitiveness for the manufacturing sector of China and India. We first provide a comparison between India and China using a broad international perspective. We find that China has increased its labor productivity to a level above that of India, but due to a somewhat higher compensation level, China is still somewhat at a disadvantage in terms of unit labor cost in manufacturing relative to India. In the second half of the paper, we make an analysis of industry level differences in productivity, labor compensation and unit labor costs at state and province level in the two countries from the mid 1990s to the early 2000s. We find rapid declines in unit labor cost across industries and provinces in China, but increases in many instances in India. This suggest that productivity and compensation growth have become much more aligned across regions in China whereas this is not (yet) the case in India. We relate these results to differences in the implementation of market reforms between the two countries and removal of barriers to resource mobility eradicating inefficient manufacturing activity |
| Keywords: | O14, J24 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ind:icrier:228&r=cwa |
| By: | Tata Institue of Social Sciences TISS |
| Abstract: | This paper is an evaluation study of NSS in India wherein a study is conducted to learn Volunteer strength in Andhra Pradesh from 1969-1994; Year wise Targets and Achievements of Chandigarh Regional Centre; Number of Universities in Maharashtra State; Age-wise distribution of Community members; Caste-wise distribution of community Members; Disaster Management work by the volunteers; Type of Cooperation extended by the Higher Officials and many more [ Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports] |
| Keywords: | Female NSS Volunteers; Male NSS Volunteers; NAAC Accreditation; NSS Training; Trained and Untrained Program Officers; TOC’s/TORC’s; NGO |
| Date: | 2009 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ess:wpaper:id:2000&r=cwa |
| By: | Sara Paoletti (CSIL Centre for Industrial Studies); Sara Maddaloni |
| Abstract: | The furniture industry in India is highly fragmented: the 85% of the national furniture production comes from small size firms. On the contrary, the office furniture segment displays a higher degree of industrial concentration, concerning particularly the segments of metal and plastic furniture. Wooden furniture is concentrated in States where forests are more readily attainable. But India, due to the shortage of timber resources, is often forced to import them from the neighbouring countries. The Indian office furniture production is estimated to amount to around US$ 1.6 billion, 40% is operative desking. The research The office furniture market in India is based on field studies involving direct interviews with roughly 100 sector firms and distributors. In addition to the data collected through direct surveys, we have also used and uniformly processed data from the balance sheets of some firms and from their annual reports or from articles in the specialist press. The report provides trends in office furniture production and consumption, office furniture imports and exports. Trade data are analyzed by country and by geographical area as well as by product type (office furniture including/excluding seating). Prices and factors determining the demand for furniture are examined, as well as furniture supply structure. Short profiles and figures about sales of the main Indian office manufacturers and of foreign office furniture manufacturers operating in India are also provided. The analysis of office furniture distribution channels covers: direct sales and contract, independent dealers, mail orders and e-commerce. Products considered: seating, operative desking, executive furniture, others (cabinets and office storage, filing systems, wall-to-wall units, furniture for communication areas). Appendices of Indian manufacturers, Indian importers, dealers and contractors, foreign manufacturers with contact details, activity and products offered. Additional information is included when available (size, traded brands, distribution channels). |
| JEL: | L11 L22 L68 L81 |
| Date: | 2009–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mst:csilre:s44&r=cwa |
| By: | Ugo Finzi (CSIL Centre for Industrial Studies); Alessandra Tracogna (CSIL Centre for Industrial Studies); Giovanni Barbiano di Belgiojoso |
| Abstract: | This report offers a comprehensive picture of the furniture sector in India, providing trends in furniture production and consumption, furniture imports and exports. Factors determining the demand for furniture are examined, as well as furniture distribution and furniture supply structure. Profiles are provided for the main furniture manufacturers and distributors with turnover, production plants, employees, product mix. Indian furniture exports and imports are broken down by country and product (office furniture, kitchen furniture, upholstered furniture, non-upholstered seats, bedroom furniture, seats parts and parts of furniture). The wood and forestry sector is also considered: production, imports, exports and consumption data are provided for the main semi-finished wood products (sawnwood, wood-based panels). Woodworking machinery imports and exports from the main partner countries are included. |
| JEL: | L11 L22 L68 |
| Date: | 2007–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mst:csilre:w08in&r=cwa |
| By: | John Gilbert (Department of Economics and Finance, Utah State University) |
| Abstract: | We describe a new CGE model of South Asia, and its application to understanding the socio-economic aspects of SAFTA. The model currently covers India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, and the rest of South Asia. It is being expanded to include Nepal and Pakistan. The model incorporates modifications to the household structure to capture implications of reform for intra-household income changes. |
| Keywords: | SAFTA, CGE, Poverty |
| JEL: | F13 F17 C68 O53 |
| Date: | 2008–12–19 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:usu:wpaper:2008-02&r=cwa |
| By: | Anne O. Krueger (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Rela) |
| Abstract: | Though recent economic growth in India has increased productivity and living standards significantly, the need for more growth and more reform remains. Rapid growth of unskilled labor-intensive manufacturing combined with growth of productivity in agriculture is necessary to enable a more inclusive growth that raises living standards in rural areas and in non-agricultural employment of relatively unskilled labor. India's comparative advantage in services does not preclude the need for a rapid-manufacturing growth phase of development due to the service sector's low contribution to output and its demand for educated and skilled, as opposed to unskilled, workers. The failure of manufacturing output and employment to grow more rapidly can be attributed to (1) regulations governing enterprises in the private sector and (2) regulations covering conditions of employment of labor. Reducing the barriers to entry of unskilled labor into manufacturing and relaxing some of the most restrictive labor laws would increase prospects for even faster growth than current high rates. |
| Keywords: | purchasing power, China, India, economic growth, tertiary sector, capital stock |
| JEL: | F4 F41 F43 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ind:icrier:230&r=cwa |
| By: | John Gilbert (Department of Economics and Finance, Utah State University) |
| Abstract: | We review the literature on the relationship between trade policy reform and poverty, and recent approaches in the numerical simulation literature to estimating the impact of alternative trade reform scenarios. The GTAP model is then used to simulate the effect of the trade cooperation among the economies of BIMSTEC and Japan on aggregate welfare and poverty in the BIMSTEC member economies. As a case study, the results of the global model simulations are then used as an input to a more detailed model of simulation model of India, which identifies nine household groups classifed by their source of income and consumption pattern. Detailed estimates of the eect of trade reform at the household level are presented for India. |
| Keywords: | Trade reform, CGE, regional trading agreements, poverty, India, BIMSTEC |
| JEL: | F13 F17 C68 O53 |
| Date: | 2008–12–19 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:usu:wpaper:2008-03&r=cwa |
| By: | Saccone Donatella (University of Turin); Valli Vittorio (University of Turin) |
| Abstract: | The comparison of the periods of rapid economic growth in China since 1978 and India since 1992 markedly show different patterns of development and structural change. However, both countries experienced some of the advantages of “relative economic backwardness” and some aspects of the “fordist model of growth”. China had an anticipated and deeper structural change, spurred mainly by economic reforms and the growth of the internal market in the 1980s and since the mid-1990s by a very rapid penetration of its industrial products in the world market. However, a substantial part of its exports in medium and high tech sectors are due to joint- ventures with foreign multinationals. India had a more balanced structural change and a slower insertion in the world market, although some sectors, such as software, steel, automotive and pharmaceuticals are recently increasing their share in the world markets. |
| Date: | 2009–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uto:dipeco:200907&r=cwa |
| By: | Migheli, Matteo |
| Abstract: | The link between individual religiosity and happiness has been studied with respect to different aspects. The general conclusion is that religiosity helps people to feel happier. However the extant studies have never taken into account how belonging to a discriminated religious group in a tense environment affects happiness. This paper analyzes this in India, a multireligious country, characterized by religious conflicts. The results show that membership to a discriminated group is source of unhappiness provided that the group represents a minority in a specific territory. Instead, when a religious community is a minority in the country, but it is represents the majority of the population in some specific region(s) membership to it increases individual's happiness. A religiousbased federalism could appease the conflicts and increase people's happiness. |
| Keywords: | happiness, India, religious denominations, conflict, discrimination |
| JEL: | D01 D69 Z12 |
| Date: | 2009–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uca:ucapdv:126&r=cwa |
| By: | T.N. Srinivasan (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Rela); Vani Archana (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Rela) |
| Abstract: | This paper contributes to two strands of literature on empirical models of trade flowsand trade policy. The first and the older strand is that of gravity models of bilateraltrade flows going back to Hans Linneman (1966) and Tinbergen (1962) and its recentapplications, particularly by Adams et al (2003) and De Rosa (2007) in analyzing theimpact of Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs). Our focus is on applying the gravitymodel to analyze India's trade flows (exports and imports) with its trading partnersaround the world and to examine the impact of various PTAs in which India or itstrading partner or both are members. Clearly this is of interest, since, from 1991 Indiais aggressively negotiating and concluding PTAs of which South Asian preferentialtrade (and later free trade) agreement is the most prominent. We find that India is notwell served by its pursuit of PTAs and should instead push for multilateral tradeliberalisation by contributing to conclusion of the Doha round of negotiations with anagreement beneficial to all WTO members.The second and the more recent strand is the analysis of trade flows using data onexports of individual firms. It is well known that in all countries of the worldrelatively few firms participate in world trade, thus suggesting that characteristics ofa firm (such as its size and productivity) are relevant besides country level barriers ontrade matter for participation in world trade. This strand is rapidly growing. Ours isone of the very few attempts at modeling and estimating the decision of Indian firmson their participation using firm level data. The paper reports on our preliminaryresults. We have also collected primary data from a sample survey of firms to explorethis issue deeper. While these data are yet to be fully analyzed, nevertheless somepreliminary descriptive tables summarizing them are included in an Appendix. |
| Keywords: | PTAs/RTAs, Non-discriminatory trade liberalisation, Gravity model,Intrabloc trade effect, Trade diversion, Trade creation, Firm heterogeneity,Probability of exporting, Export performance, Logit, Probit, Fixed effect, Random effect, Tobit model, firm-specific effect, sunk cocost, Hazard model |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ind:icrier:232&r=cwa |
| By: | Joel Ruet |
| Abstract: | This paper reviews the urban water and sanitation scenario in metropolitan cities. Section 1 focuses on the institutional and organizational structure of the service providers by looking at the level of technical and managerial decentralization reached in the four cities (Calcutta, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai) Section 2 focuses on the question of property rights and the debate on usage conflicts in order to fill the gap for the future demand. Section 3 revisits the question of reforms that were launched in the 1990s for all infrastructure sectors. Section 4 and 5 concentrate on two directions the sector could look at for changes: the development of conservation based strategy and the need for a more participative approach by involving the civil society. This would mean a paradigm shift for the sector. Indeed, demand side solutions are rarely considered and the problem of water supply is mostly addressed by the supply angle. |
| Keywords: | Water supply, Sanitation, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Calcutta, Resources management; Urban India; Potable water; Water demand; Metropolitan cities; Water harvesting; Sewage water treatment |
| Date: | 2009 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ess:wpaper:id:2026&r=cwa |
| By: | Sara Paoletti (CSIL Centre for Industrial Studies); Mauro Spinelli (CSIL Centre for Industrial Studies) |
| Abstract: | Office furniture production accounted for 28% of total furniture production in Turkey. Foreign markets absorbed 25% of production and imports accounted for just 8% of consumption. The furniture sector in Turkey boasts 29,346 manufacturing companies employing 92,567 workers. The Central Region, including Ankara, the industrial area of Sincan, and the neighbouring provinces of Kayseri and Konya, are the most important locations. This market research The office furniture market in Turkey, describes the office furniture sector in Turkey and gives data on production, consumption, import and export of office furniture. The structure of the office furniture sector in Turkey is analyzed through 50 interviews with leading office manufacturing companies, dealers and facility managers/buyers. Profiles of main office furniture manufacturers, sales and market share are also provided. Breakdown of Turkish consumption by macro-region and demand determinants are also considered. Analysis of distribution channels: direct sales and contract, specialised dealers, not specialised dealers, office chains, home furniture dealers and distribution chains, mail orders and e-commerce, office furniture prices and consumption trends. |
| JEL: | L11 L22 L68 L81 |
| Date: | 2009–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mst:csilre:s46&r=cwa |
| By: | Jhingran, Dhir; Sankar, Deepa |
| Abstract: | The challenge of development work in the social sector in India today is one of bridging huge disparities across regions of the country, gender and social groups. Unless national and state policies specifically target resources to address these disparities, achieving higher level outcomes in an inclusive manner, which is the real goal for human development in education and health, will be a distant dream. This paper takes up the case of the Indian government’s Elementary Education for All Mission to understand how this flagship program relates investments to spatial and social disparities. For identifying the most deprived districts in terms of educational inputs, outputs and overall development, the authors estimate district level education development indices for 2003-2004. The contribution of the largest investment program is measured by"per child allocations"and expenditures at the state and district levels for 2005-2006. An analysis of comparing the ratio of allocations to expenditures with the ratio of district level indices to sub-dimensional indices shows that there is an apparent disconnect between the"real investment needs"of the districts, reflected in their level of educational development and the actual allocations made on an annual basis. The analysis shows that although all districts received more funds for investing in elementary education programs, the most disadvantaged and needy districts received proportionately more funds, which helped these districts to bridge access and infrastructure gaps and appoint more teachers. Benchmarking sector development by spatial entities helps not only in monitoring the outcomes, but also in targeting planning and funding to reduce disparities. |
| Keywords: | Primary Education,Education For All,Gender and Education,Access&Equity in Basic Education, |
| Date: | 2009–06–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:4955&r=cwa |
| By: | Paul Niehaus |
| Abstract: | Development scholars view corruption as a leading cause of persistent poverty in less development countries. The paper mainly studies dynamic incentives for corruption in one of the world’s largest public transfer programs, India’s National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. The paper uncovers large embezzlement along multiple margins: theft from beneficiaries and theft from tax payers. The study makes uses exogenous changes in statutory wages to test a simple, dynamic model of rent extraction. It finds evidence for a Golden Goose effect: when expected future opportunities for rent extraction are high, official extract less rent today in order to preserve tomorrow’s opportunities. This behavioral response tends to stabilize levels of corruption in the face of external shocks. [BREAD WP no. 223] |
| Keywords: | corruption; India; golden goose effect; national Rural Employment Guarantee Act; rent extraction; piece rate project |
| Date: | 2009 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ess:wpaper:id:2016&r=cwa |
| By: | Alessandra Tracogna (CSIL Centre for Industrial Studies); Ugo Finzi (CSIL Centre for Industrial Studies); Giovanni Barbiano di Belgiojoso |
| Abstract: | This report offers a comprehensive picture of the furniture sector in Turkey, providing trends in furniture production and consumption, furniture imports and exports. Factors determining the demand for furniture are examined, as well as furniture supply structure. Short profiles are provided for the main Turkish furniture manufacturers with production plants and employees, product mix. Turkish furniture imports and exports are broken down by country and product (office furniture, kitchen furniture, upholstered furniture, dining and living room furniture, bedroom furniture, seats parts, parts of furniture). The wood and forestry sector is also considered: production, imports, exports and consumption data are provided for the main semi-finished wood products (sawn wood; wood-based panels). Woodworking machinery imports from the main partner countries are included. |
| JEL: | L11 L22 L68 |
| Date: | 2008–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mst:csilre:w02tr&r=cwa |
| By: | Hofstede, Gert Jan; Zylbersztajn, Decio |
| Abstract: | (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie, the Dutch East India Company), one of the worldâs major players in the international food market of the 17th and 18th centuries. Can the experiences of the VOC teach lessons that todayâs food production networks may take to heart? There are three domains in which changes might have occurred since the times of the VOC that could be relevant to this question. These are the people themselves, the rules of the game that can be captured by the term governance, and context factors. The article will investigate all three. As far as the people are concerned it will look at factors such as worker conditions, attitudes, and culture in general. In the area of governance the paper will consider contract enforcement and coercion constraining. Context factors to consider are costs of transport and availability of capital. The method used in this article is desk research using a number of historical sources. The theories used are from NIE (New Institutional Economics) and from cultural psychology. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Farm Management, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Industrial Organization, |
| Date: | 2008–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:eea110:49876&r=cwa |
| By: | Bruschieri Silvia (University of Turin); Balcet Giovanni (University of Turin) |
| Date: | 2009–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uto:dipeco:200906&r=cwa |
| By: | Sukanya Das; Rabindra N. Bhattacharya; Ekin Birol (Department of Land Economy, University of Cambridge) |
| Abstract: | This paper employs a stated preference environmental valuation method, namely the choice experiment method, to estimate local public’s willingness to pay (WTP) for improvements in the capacity of a sewage treatment plant (STP) in Chandernagore Municipality, located on the banks of the River Ganga. A pilot choice experiment study is conducted with 100 randomly selected Chandernagore residents and the data are analysed using the conditional logit model. The results reveal that residents of this municipality are WTP significant amounts in terms of higher monthly municipality taxes, in order to upgrade the capacity of the current STP to one that treats higher quantities of wastewater and at a higher quality, before discarding in the Ganga. With the use of the benefits transfer method, the results of this case study can provide information on the economic benefits that might be generated through the improvement of STPs in other similar municipalities located along the banks of the Ganga. Overall, the results reported in this paper have important policy implications for reducing pollution, and hence environmental and health risks that are currently threatening the sustainability of the economic, cultural and religious values this sacred river generates. |
| Keywords: | choice experiment method, conditional logit model, River Ganga, sewage treatment plant, water quality, water quantity |
| Date: | 2009 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:lnd:wpaper:432009&r=cwa |
| By: | Aurelio Volpe (CSIL Centre for Industrial Studies); Mariano Peluso (CSIL Centre for Industrial Studies) |
| Abstract: | This report offers an overview of the lighting fixtures market in Turkey, providing trends in lighting fixtures production and consumption, imports and exports, distribution and prices for both indoor and outdoor lighting. The lighting fixtures market is broken down highlighting the two main market segments for lighting fixtures: decorative/residential lighting and non-residential lighting (architectural/commercial lighting, industrial lighting and outdoor lighting, altogether so-called Technical lighting). The breakdown of Turkish lighting fixtures exports and imports is provided by country and by geographical area (Americas, Asia and Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Other countries). A breakdown of lighting fixtures exports and imports is also provided by segment: residential lighting, commercial lighting, Christmas and traffic lighting, lighting fixtures components. Reference prices are given for the main lighting products (chandelliers and suspensions, floor and table lamps, wall lamps, commercial and outdoor lighting fixtures) in a sample of stores. An overview of the lighting fixtures distribution in Turkey is offered with data on sales breakdown by distribution channel in a sample of companies and country estimate. An overview of competitive system is outlined, with data on lighting fixtures sales and market shares for the major lighting fixtures companies present on the Turkish market, for each segment: residential lighting, commercial lighting, industrial lighting, outdoor lighting. Short profiles of the major Turkish companies operating in the lighting fixtures sector are also included. Macroeconomic indicators with information on Turkish economy, population by town, real growth of GDP are also provided. |
| JEL: | L11 L22 L68 L81 |
| Date: | 2008–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mst:csilre:s45&r=cwa |
| By: | Aurelio Volpe (CSIL Centre for Industrial Studies); Stefania Pelizzari (CSIL Centre for Industrial Studies); Donatella Cheri |
| Abstract: | This report provides an overview of the world trade of kitchen furniture, with 2006 production and consumption data at world-wide level and data on the evolution (2001-2006) of kitchen furniture trade in 60 countries selected according to their contribution to international trade of kitchen furniture. The world imports and exports of kitchen furniture are broken down by geographical area (European Union (27) + Norway and Switzerland, Other European countries outside the EU, Asia and Pacific, Middle East and Africa, North America, South America) and by developed countries/emerging countries. World import and export data are also given in kitchen furniture units, for 60 countries.Statistics and outlook data are also available in a country format: 2006 kitchen furniture production andn consumption in value and quantity and historical series (1999-2006) for trade, as well as economic indicators (population, area, Total GNP, Per capita GNP, HEC and GNP at PPP). Country rankings are made to place all statistics in a broad worldwide context. The report provides a picture of opportunities for kitchen furniture exporters arising from the increasing openness of markets and a rich collection of key country-data, allowing comparisons among specific interest areas. Countries considered in the report: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, China, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea South, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam. |
| JEL: | L11 L81 L68 |
| Date: | 2007–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mst:csilre:w14&r=cwa |
| By: | Deininger, Klaus; Jin, Songqing; Yadav, Vandana |
| Abstract: | Land reforms in India were aimed at securing access to land for poor rural households. We use data from West Bengal to highlight the impact of the stateâs 1978 land reform program on human capital accumulation within the beneficiary households. The results from the study indicate that reform positively impacted the decision to invest in education. We ascertain a highly significant positive effect on long-term accumulation of human capital, and find that the size of benefit was modest in first generation and much larger for second generation beneficiaries. The second generation also does not have a gender bias, allowing women to catch up in their levels of education. |
| Keywords: | Human Capital, Impact Evaluation, Land Reforms, International Development, |
| Date: | 2009 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:aaea09:49969&r=cwa |
| By: | Rajiv Kumar (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Rela); Mathew Joseph (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Rela); Dony Alex (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Rela); Pankaj Vashisht |
| Abstract: | This paper provides an outlook for the Indian economy in the light of theextraordinary global financial crisis, that started in the US, but which has nowtransformed into the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. TheIndian economy was slowing down even before the onset of global crisis and so thetiming of this external shock could not have been worse. The analysis undertaken forthis paper shows that the global crisis is likely to bring the Indian GDP growth ratedown considerably. This will pose a big challenge requiring urgent and sustainedpolicy attention to prevent this downturn from becoming unnecessarily prolonged.There is real downside risk that the growth rate could plummet to the pre-1980s levelsif appropriate countercyclical measures are not taken immediately and are noturgently followed by necessary structural reforms. The paper provides a short-termforecast for GDP growth based on a model of leading economic indicators. Wepresent three scenarios in the paper assuming differentiated impact of the externalcrisis. Finally the paper suggests a set of policy measures to get the Indian economyback on the path of sustained rapid and inclusive growth. |
| Keywords: | Forecasting, Indian economic growth, Economic outlook and conditions, Financial crises |
| JEL: | E17 E66 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ind:icrier:234&r=cwa |
| By: | Mirza, Bilal (UNU-MERIT); Kemp, Rene (UNU-MERIT, ICIS, Maastricht University) |
| Abstract: | The paper tries to explore the rationale behind the complexities of energy poverty among different income groups in rural communities. We attempted to understand why rural rich, despite their relatively high purchasing power use energy sources which tend to categorize them as energy poor. Using Energy Poverty Survey (EPS), a dataset of more than 600 rural households from 27 different rural communities of Punjab, Pakistan, we presented energy access situation in rural households among different income groups. Subsequently, we used logit to assess access factors which could impact the energy source choices among different income groups. The insignificance of household income for traditional biomass use and high significance of community remoteness indicators imply that households give high importance on the proximity of energy sources available to them and, in many cases, will prefer to be in the state of energy poor, than to use modern energy source like LPG. |
| Keywords: | energy poverty, rural rich, rural poor, rural communities, Punjab, Pakistan, fuelwood, animal waste, plant waste, kerosene, liquid petroleum gas |
| JEL: | Q01 Q42 I32 O33 |
| Date: | 2009 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dgr:unumer:2009024&r=cwa |
| By: | Aurelio Volpe (CSIL Centre for Industrial Studies) |
| Abstract: | This market research report analyses the lighting fixtures market in the Middle East. Core of the research are the Gulf Countries: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar. Special attention is given to Dubai. The report includes the production, consumption, trade, short profiles of main players and macro-economic and social indicators. The lighting fixtures scenario of the Gulf countries provides the production, exports, imports and consumption in million US dollars for the countries Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as well as some basic data: population, GNP, mall based footfall and number of tourists. Sales of lighting fixtures in the Middle East are broken down by residential, commercial, industrial en outdoor lighting fixtures. Sales and market shares of main players are given and a short company profile for a number of players is included. A note on the quantity of light sources consumption and a breakdown of light sources used by a sample of companies can be found. The chapter on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) provides the macro-economic indicators, production, trade and consumption of lighting fixtures, the percentage of residential and commercial/outdoor lighting and the share of top players. Sales, market shares and (some) company profiles are given for the main players in the UAE market. The construction activity is emphasised. For Dubai, information on distribution channels and reference prices of lighting fixtures are given. Lighting fixtures exhibitions and magazines are mentioned. The countries Saudi Arabia and Kuwait contain data on the market size and trade activity trend, macro-economoic and social indicators, sales, market share and short profiles of companies present in the market and a note on the demand (construction). For Bahrain, Oman and Qatar are listed the economic and social indicators and trade activity trend, sales and market share of companies present in the market are available for Bahrain and Qatar. A short comment on the trade of lighting fixtures and an estimated production and consumption is included for the Middle East and North African countries Algeria, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, Iran, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey. |
| JEL: | L11 L22 L68 L81 |
| Date: | 2007–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mst:csilre:s38&r=cwa |
| By: | Ulf von Lilienfeld-Toal (Stockholm School of Economics); Dilip Mookherjee (Boston University); Sujata Visaria (Boston University) |
| Abstract: | It is generally presumed that strengthening legal enforcement of lender rights increases credit access for all borrowers, by expanding the set of incentive compatible loan contracts. This is based on an implicit assumption of infinitely elastic supply of loans. With inelastic supply, strengthening enforcement generates general equilibrium effects which reduce credit access for small borrowers while expanding it for wealthy borrowers. We find evidence from a firm-level panel data set of such adverse distributional impacts of an Indian judicial reform which increased banks’ ability to recover non-performing loans in the 1990s. |
| Date: | 2009–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bos:iedwpr:dp-183&r=cwa |
| By: | Laura De Carli; Mariano Peluso; Aurelio Volpe (CSIL Centre for Industrial Studies) |
| Abstract: | This report is the result of a census recently carried out by CSIL of the leading kitchen furniture producers worldwide, which has enabled it to outline the weight of the first 500 kitchen furniture manufacturers in the world. The kitchen furniture turnover of 500 selected companies accounts for about 56% of the world kitchen furniture production. The selection of 500 players is based partly on the overall size of the company (turnover, employees, etc.) and partly on the need of international representativeness (for example, the 51st North American firm is probably larger than the largest firm in India, but the latter was chosen in order to represent the Pacific area too). Company information is based on previous CSIL market reports and on desk research or estimates concerning the countries not covered. The kitchen turnover is updated with data of the last three years and it is estimated for some companies.The companies are mentioned by home country and gathered in geographical areas (Europe, Africa and Middle East; Asia and Pacific; North and South America) to give both local and global reading of the kitchen furniture industry in the world. For each company are provided (where available): Full company address, Year of establishment, Group membership, Total turnover, Kitchen turnover % of kitchen on total production, Number of employees, Turnover per employee. For leading companies the report offers also short profiles with history, product breakdown, main brands and distribution channels. The first chapter of the report provides an overview of the kitchen furniture market worldwide in 60 countries selected according to their economy size, importance of the major furniture sector and contribution to international trade of kitchen furniture. Scope of the research is to facilitate the sales relationship between suppliers, manufacturers and distributors in the kitchen furniture sector, which is developing globally in a rapid pace. |
| JEL: | L11 L22 L68 |
| Date: | 2007–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mst:csilre:s40&r=cwa |
| By: | Kaveri Gill |
| Abstract: | This paper seeks to evaluate quantity and quality of service delivery in rural public health facilities under NRHM. On appropriate and feasible measures, the former is assessed on the static and dynamic condition of physical infrastructure; by the numbers of paramedical, technician and medical staff employed, as well as figures for attendance and gender breakdown; by the supply, quality and range of drugs; by availability and usage of decentralised untied and maintenance funding of centres; and by actual availability of laboratory, diagnostic and service facilities. Quality is defined in relation to the condition of the above tangibles, as also supplemented by subjective data on intangibles, such as patient satisfaction, gathered from the exit interviews.[PEO WP NO 1/2009] |
| Keywords: | National Rural Health Mission; Service Delivery; Fieldsite Selection; Descriptive Characteristics; Research Design; Physical Infrastructure; Human Resources; Medicines |
| Date: | 2009 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ess:wpaper:id:2006&r=cwa |
| By: | David Maddison; Eleanor Field; Zubaida Choudhury (Department of Land Economy, University of Cambridge); Unai Pascual (Department of Land Economy, University of Cambridge) |
| Abstract: | The Ganges Delta of Bangladesh faces a major environmental and development problem from arsenic groundwater contamination. Here we address the rural population’s health preferences and estimate how much a given risk of arsenicosis would have to be postponed to make that risk acceptable. We also derive implicit rates of time preference associated with this health hazard based on an experimental field study in Bangladesh. Results suggest that households exposed to arsenic contaminated water do trade-off risk against latency of developing arsenicosis. The results can also be interpreted as if households face a time-varying (hyperbolic) pure rate of time preference. |
| Keywords: | Time varying discounting, Water pollution, Arsenic contamination, Bangladesh |
| Date: | 2009 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:lnd:wpaper:452009&r=cwa |
| By: | Ugo Finzi (CSIL Centre for Industrial Studies); Giovanni Barbiano di Belgiojoso; Davide Tunesi |
| Abstract: | The Middle East report includes six countries: Egypt, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The region aggregate furniture demand amounts to US$ 4.6 billion at production prices; yet it is worth stressing that each country has its own peculiarities. Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are definitely net furniture importers. Their economies can rely on huge oil and gas reserves and feature fast growing construction sectors, with great prospects of profits for furniture exporters, both in the low and high end markets. Egypt instead displays a dynamic furniture industry, which has proven more and more successful in the international markets thanks to skilled labour force and improving business management. The Lebanese furniture industry entered a recovery path and can count on a growing domestic market as well as the geographical and cultural proximity to other Middle East markets. Israel displays a high developed furniture industry, with western standards as regards technology and management. Moreover, furniture production and consumption have steady increased in the last years on the wake of the general economic growth. The report offers a comprehensive picture of the furniture sector in the Middle East, providing trends in furniture production, furniture consumption, furniture imports and exports in Egypt, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Factors determining the demand for furniture are examined, as well as furniture distribution channels and furniture prices. For each country an outline of the major furniture companies is provided. For each company mentioned in the report, an updated profile with contact details, activity and product offer is provided. Additional information is included when available (size, traded brands, distribution channels). Furniture imports and exports are broken down by country and product (office furniture, kitchen furniture, upholstered furniture, non-upholstered seats, bedroom furniture, seats parts and parts of furniture). The wood and forestry sector is also considered: production, imports, exports and consumption data are provided for the main semi-finished wood products (sawnwood, wood-based panels). Data on woodworking machinery imports are available for most of the considered countries. |
| JEL: | L11 L22 L68 |
| Date: | 2008–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mst:csilre:w07&r=cwa |
| By: | Ugo Finzi (CSIL Centre for Industrial Studies); Giovanni Barbiano di Belgiojoso; Davide Tunesi |
| Abstract: | Egypt instead displays a dynamic furniture industry, which has proven more and more successful in the international markets thanks to skilled labour force and improving business management. This report offers a comprehensive picture of the furniture sector in Egypt, providing trends in furniture production and consumption, furniture imports and exports, prices. Factors determining the demand for furniture are examined, as well as furniture distribution and furniture supply structure. Updated profiles of the main furniture manufacturers are provided. Contact details, activity and product offer is provided. Additional information is included when available (size, traded brands, distribution channels). Egyptian furniture imports and exports are broken down by country and product (office furniture, kitchen furniture, upholstered furniture, non-upholstered seats, bedroom furniture, seats parts and parts of furniture). The wood and forestry sector is also considered: production, imports, exports and consumption data are provided for the main semi-finished wood products (sawnwood, wood-based panels). Woodworking machinery imports from the main partner countries are included. |
| JEL: | L11 L22 L68 |
| Date: | 2008–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mst:csilre:w07eg&r=cwa |
| By: | Ugo Finzi (CSIL Centre for Industrial Studies); Giovanni Barbiano di Belgiojoso; Davide Tunesi |
| Abstract: | Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are definitely net furniture importers. Their economies can rely on huge oil and gas reserves and feature fast growing construction sectors, with great prospects of profits for furniture exporters, both in the low and high end markets. This report offers a comprehensive picture of the furniture sector in Kuwait, providing trends in furniture production and consumption, furniture imports and exports, prices. Factors determining the demand for furniture are examined, as well as furniture supply structure. Updated profiles of the main furniture manufacturers are provided. Contact details, activity and product offer is provided. Additional information is included when available (size, traded brands, distribution channels). Kuwaiti furniture imports and exports, imports data for the main semi-finished wood products (sawnwood, wood-based panels) are also provided. |
| JEL: | L11 L22 L68 |
| Date: | 2008–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mst:csilre:w07kw&r=cwa |