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on Central and Western Asia |
| By: | Ebru Voyvoda (Middle East Technical University); Erinc Yeldan (I.D. Bilkent University) |
| Abstract: | This report studies the aspects of fiscal policy in post -1980 Turkey. The 1990s had been a period of acute deterioration of the public sector balances with increased indebtedness and the rising interest burden. On the other hand, the post-2001 period witnessed a significant narrowing of the fiscal budget deficits. This is often hailed as a discriminatory success of the Turkish Republic, during when the European economies suffer from a public debt crisis. Currently Turkey stands as the largest candidate country which certainly comprises differences with the EU Member States and to other candidate countries. Yet, the Turkish experience in economic policy making in the neo-liberal era should provide repercussions for the European geography, especially in the aftermath of the global financial crisis of 2008-9. |
| Keywords: | Fiscal Policy, Turkey, Debt Sustainability, IMF |
| JEL: | H10 H50 H62 H63 |
| Date: | 2015–07–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fes:wpaper:wpaper109&r=cwa |
| By: | Hasanov, Shavkat; Sanaev, Golib; Ganiev, Ibragim |
| Abstract: | The aim of the study is to review the agricultural sector of Uzbekistan with the purpose of identifying the major constraints of development of the sector with special emphasis on fruit and vegetable subsectors, thereby to suggest policy recommendations for the development of the sector. Fruits and vegetables market and its supply chain potential has been studied in case of Samarkand region. Although analysis of recent reforms has provided opportunities for liberalization and modernization of agricultural production and marketing system in Uzbekistan especially for fruit and vegetable subsector, there is still a precondition for sustainable development of subsector. Hence policy suggestions are still in their implementation stage. Specific recommendations were also outlined pertaining to the key constraints identified; namely, pertaining to agricultural production and productivity, quality of land resources, irrigation, reforms, R&D, and agricultural marketing. |
| Keywords: | Samarkand region, agricultural marketing, agro-processing, agroclusters, fruit and vegetable subsector, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Crop Production/Industries, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, International Development, Marketing, Production Economics, Productivity Analysis, |
| Date: | 2014–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iamc14:212556&r=cwa |
| By: | Asian Development Bank (ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) (Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department, ADB); Asian Development Bank (ADB) |
| Abstract: | Reforms pursued by Georgia in recent years have made its power sector commercially viable as well as more efficient and reliable. Now unbundled and largely privatized, the former state monopoly has developed an operational wholesale market and has made great progress in making its operations and system pricing more efficient. However, it still lacks independent regulatory competence and pricing transparency, and it remains vulnerable to external supply shocks, having to balance shortfalls in domestic hydropower generation with fuel imports for its power stations and with gas imports for its thermal plants. This country report assesses the reform efforts and experiences of Georgia’s power sector for lessons and insights that other economies could find useful in their own power sector planning and policy and strategy formulation. |
| Keywords: | power sector, Georgia, power sector reforms, retail competition, privatization, wholesale power market, competitive power market, transmission and distribution, unbundling, power generation, tariff setting, tariff reform, power supply security, economic outcomes, social outcomes, environmental outcomes, market-based regulation, power sector planning, hydropower |
| Date: | 2015–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:asd:wpaper:rpt157423-2&r=cwa |
| By: | Sattarov, Doniyor; Mal, Puran |
| Abstract: | Agriculture sector plays crucial role in the economy of Uzbekistan. However, the reduction of the share of agriculture sector in national GDP can be explained by increasing the share of other sectors in national economy. There is growth in gross production of agriculture but, agricultural sector is still characterized by unsustainable production patterns and agricultural institutions of the country are controlled to a large extent through government intervention. Two crops have strategic significance for Uzbekistan: wheat for domestic consumption and cotton for export. The Government decides to grow cotton and wheat as well as fix the output prices. Uzbekistan Farmers receive lower prices for the main crops than world prices, but they also receive inputs such as fertilizers or fuel at cheaper prices. The partial implementation of reforms such as privatization and liberalization of agricultural markets affect the development of agriculture and agricultural trade in Uzbekistan (UZB). This paper highlights the major effects of market and price liberalization (50% and 100%) on agricultural trade using the partial equilibrium model AGRISIM which is based on the "Static World Policy Simulation Model" (SWOPSIM) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). With the help of this model, changes in general economic conditions, policy intervention in agricultural markets and foreign trade are simulated. This study suggests that the issues of sustainable agriculture development and food security in Uzbekistan can be achieved through, liberalization of agricultural markets and trade specially wheat and cotton. |
| Keywords: | Uzbekistan, agricultural sector, agriculture trade, AGRISIM Model, liberalization, Agricultural and Food Policy, International Relations/Trade, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, |
| Date: | 2014–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iamc14:212560&r=cwa |
| By: | Muminov, Sherzod |
| Abstract: | More than 80% of Uzbekistan’s agriculture is irrigated and low water quality as well as insufficient water quantity is the main challenges for its development. Transition to a market economy requires reforms in agriculture and especially in water sector. The principal basis for transition to a market economy is introduction of paid water use. The main source of funding for water management in Uzbekistan is the state budget. Allocations from state funds in recent years have grown substantially. Considerable part in the total amount of funding for operational needs accounts for electricity, the cost of which is growing much faster than the increase in appropriations in water sector in general. Fundamental aspects of economic management system should be a mechanism for financing water management organizations, both at the expense of the state budget and at the expense of water users through setting water fees. Payment for water will be a major pre-requisite to save water resources. In Uzbekistan transition to paid water use will allow the more economical use of water resources, and will help to resolve many political, social, economic and environmental problems. Moreover it will solve technical problems which will improve the soil conditions. |
| Keywords: | Uzbekistan, agricultural sector, strategic crops, water management, water consumers association, Agricultural and Food Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy, Institutional and Behavioral Economics, |
| Date: | 2014–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iamc14:212558&r=cwa |
| By: | Ergashev, Alisher |
| Abstract: | The natural and climatic conditions of the country provide ample opportunities for the development of fruit and vegetable production and food processing industry. Unfortunately, institutional transformations in agriculture in the past have promoted significant growth of cereal production, but not fruit and vegetable growing. As a result, consumption of healthy food in Uzbekistan is constrained by its seasonal and spatial availability and considerable price differences throughout a year, especially for rural population during off-season, and only high-income earners consume fruits and vegetables. Inadequate consumption of fruit and vegetables is among leading risk factors for public health in Uzbekistan. The purpose of this research is to investigate the existing constraints and opportunities to improve the availability and accessibility of fruit and vegetables as a key determinant of healthy diet. What hinders activities of fruit and vegetable producers in Uzbekistan? What policies should be used to increase year-long fruit and vegetable supply in Uzbekistan? A tabular analytical technique was used to qualitatively analyze the existing constraints for efficient fruit and vegetable production. Using a structured interview method, a sample size of 100 fruit/vegetable farms was selected randomly and disproportionally based on the master frame lists provided by the local authorities. The area covered included five districts in Tashkent province. Despite favorable geographical and climatic conditions, production of fruit and vegetables is constrained by various factors such as imperfect input and output markets, distribution system failures, low consumer demand, problems in financing and credit. The mechanisms to improve the current situation include reduction of bureaucracy and abuse of powers by public authorities, shift from planned system to market-oriented system of agricultural production, removal of export restrictions, better marketing research, knowledge capacity development, investment in new equipment, technologies and infrastructure, development of agricultural extension services and more effective work of associations and councils. |
| Keywords: | Fruit and Vegetable Production, Uzbekistan, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Health Economics and Policy, |
| Date: | 2014–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iamc14:212554&r=cwa |