nep-cwa New Economics Papers
on Central and Western Asia
Issue of 2022‒08‒15
twenty papers chosen by



  1. Business and Investment Issues in Pakistan By Usman Ahmad; Amena Urooj,; Uzma Zia
  2. The Paradox of Housing Societies in Pakistan By Syed Saddam Haider
  3. Drivers of Turkish Inflation By Hakan Yilmazkuday
  4. Grand National Dialogue For Reforms By Nadeem ul Haque; Uzma Zia; Sadia Sherbaz; Saddam Hussein
  5. Fiscal Policy for Sustainable Growth and Accountable Governance: Can Pakistan Learn from China or Mexico By Aneesa Chaudhry; Aisha Irum
  6. International Day of a Girl Child By Aneesa Masood
  7. Manufacturing exports and institutional qualities: The case of central Asian countries By Taguchi, Hiroyuki
  8. Why Businesses Don’T Grow In Pakistan? By Wajid Islam
  9. Socio-Economic Impact of Ride Hailing: Overcoming Barriers to Mobility By Irum Bhatti
  10. Music As A Creative Industry By Abbas Moosvi
  11. Facilitating Pakistan’S Trade: TFA & National Trade Facilitation Bodies The Pakistan Nttfc By Uzma Zia
  12. The Politics Of Media Economy In Pakistan By Azwar Muhammad Aslam
  13. Crafty Oligarchs, Savvy Voters: Democracy Under Inequality In Rural Pakistan By Alweena Hasan; Abdul Khaliq
  14. Cities Of The Future By Aqeel Anwar; Lubna Hassan; Adnan Saqib
  15. Future Of Pakistan Economy With The IMF Program By Amila Rafique; Nafisa Riaz
  16. Urban Pakistan And The Street Vendor Economy By Shahid Mehmood
  17. A History of Pakistan Railways From Pre-Partition Times till Now: A Historical Review with Key Evolutionary Milestones By Danish Bhutto
  18. Setting Up A Cricket Market In Pakistan By Azwar Muhammad Aslam
  19. Pakistan’S Trade Potential And The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership By Misbah Bashir
  20. Tax Reforms In Pakistan By Farah Naz

  1. By: Usman Ahmad (Pakistan Institute of Development Economics); Amena Urooj, (Pakistan Institute of Development Economics); Uzma Zia (Pakistan Institute of Development Economics)
    Abstract: The economic history of Pakistan dominance with fragile industrial base, agriculture dominance, and political instability. Although, policies in the past were meant to strengthen the industrial base and for the protection domestic industries, country adopted a restricted trade regime. The government nationalized various industries and privatization program commenced to large scale nationalization in 1972-77.
    Date: 2022
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pid:wbrief:2022:91&r=
  2. By: Syed Saddam Haider (Pakistan Institute of Development Economics)
    Abstract: Housing Societies have gained immense importance overtime as they provide shelter to the urban dwellers. However, these Societies have to work under the ambit of Local Development Authorities, who have a stringent regime for granting approvals. Same is the case with Capital Development Authority (CDA), which manages development of Islamabad in its retrospection with the Master Plan.
    Date: 2022
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pid:wbrief:2022:82&r=
  3. By: Hakan Yilmazkuday (Department of Economics, Florida International University)
    Abstract: This paper investigates the drivers of Turkish inflation by using a structural vector autoregression model, where monthly data on global oil prices, unemployment rates, inflation rates, policy rates and exchange rates are used. The empirical results show that Turkish inflation increases following a negative policy rate shock, a positive exchange rate shock, or a positive global oil price shock. The volatility of Turkish inflation is mostly explained by global oil prices and exchange rate movements in the long run, while the contribution of exchange rate shocks to Turkish inflation has continuously increased over time. As additional empirical results show that exchange rate depreciation can be reduced by positive policy rate shocks, it is implied that a conventional monetary policy increasing policy rates following an increase in inflation or a depreciation of Turkish lira would be optimal to achieve and maintain price stability in Turkey, which is the primary objective of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey.
    Keywords: Monetary Policy, Inflation, Unemployment, Exchange Rate, Turkey
    JEL: E31 E52 F41
    Date: 2022–03
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fiu:wpaper:2204&r=
  4. By: Nadeem ul Haque (Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, Islamabad.); Uzma Zia (Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, Islamabad.); Sadia Sherbaz (Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, Islamabad.); Saddam Hussein (Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, Islamabad.)
    Abstract: Everyone wants more democracy not less. We need real representation not mere selecting rulers. There must be more debate on what democracy means and how we can make it more meaningful. PIDE came up with an idea to hold a Grand National Dialogue (GND), spanning over five days, with over 20 leading intellectuals from diverse backgrounds. PIDE hopes that the ideas thrown up here will be heard across the country, including power corridors and policy making domains, through different channels of communication; driving democracy to further improvement.
    Keywords: National Dialogue, Reforms,
    Date: 2021
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pid:wbrief:2021:08&r=
  5. By: Aneesa Chaudhry (Pakistan Institute of Development Economics); Aisha Irum (Pakistan Institute of Development Economics)
    Abstract: The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics has organized a webinar titled “Fiscal Policy for Sustainable Growth and Accountable Governance: Can Pakistan Learn from China or Mexico?” The purpose of the webinar is to discuss how Pakistan can learn from fiscal policy initiatives of China or Mexico for long-term growth and accountable governance.
    Date: 2022
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pid:wbrief:2022:80&r=
  6. By: Aneesa Masood (Pakistan Institute of Development Economics)
    Abstract: he Pakistan Institute of Development Economics hosted a webinar titled “International Day of a Girl Child” in which Ms. Fiza Khalid Butt served as a moderator. Webinar panelist are; Gull-e-Mariam Watto, who is the member of National Curriculum Council, Sam Ali Daada who is President of Rotary Club girl empowerment chapter, Dr Najeeb who is CEO of progressive education network, Fajar Rabia Pasha who is Executive Director of Pakistan Alliance of Girls Education. In Pakistan, 22.5 million children are out of school from which 32% are girl child. The primary goal of the webinar is to discuss the issues concerning to girl child about their education, skills, and empowerment.
    Date: 2022
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pid:wbrief:2022:84&r=
  7. By: Taguchi, Hiroyuki
    Abstract: This paper evaluates the export values of manufactured goods for the Central Asian countries by using a gravity trade model, and investigates the roles of institutional qualities in manufacturing exports based on the World Governance Indicators. The findings of this study are summarized as follows. With Kazakhstan being a benchmark country, the remaining four Central Asian countries have downward deviations in manufacturing exports and institutional qualities. Then the institutional qualities such as control of corruption, government effectiveness and rule of law are identified to be the major factors to explain the differences in the manufacturing exports’ performances.
    Keywords: Central Asia; manufacturing exports; institutional qualities; World Governance Indicators; gravity trade model
    JEL: F14
    Date: 2022
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:113585&r=
  8. By: Wajid Islam (MPhil Scholar, PIDE)
    Abstract: Pakistan is the 5th largest country by population and according to the World Bank, 64% of Pakistan’s population is under the age of 30. Moreover, the country is full of natural resources, with a vibrant population and myriad opportunities. But unfortunately, after 73 years of independence we have not capitalized our resources and population to improve businesses in our country. On the other hand, our regional competitors and other countries have managed to grow very rapidly in a very short span as compared to Pakistan. Dr. Nadeem started the debate with the basic statistics. He was on the point of view that data and facts speak louder than words. He backed his stance by advocating that we lack some basic measures due to which businesses do not thrive in Pakistan.
    Keywords: Business, Grow, Pakistan,
    Date: 2021
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pid:wbrief:2021:07&r=
  9. By: Irum Bhatti (Pakistan Institute of Development Economics)
    Abstract: Ride Hailing has the comfort and freedom that people enjoy while traveling point-to-point on a pre-scheduled basis as needed. Make a “call” by asking a local driver to pick you up at a specific location via the app, considered as the modernization of traditional chauffer driven taxi services. Ride hailing apps introduced the corporate culture for its captain’s dignity. Customers may freely drive to places with limited parking, stay out longer, stay safe, trustworthy ride will be ready in minutes, which is excellent for the economy and works as a time saver for the people.
    Date: 2022
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pid:wbrief:2022:89&r=
  10. By: Abbas Moosvi (Pakistan Institute of Development Economics)
    Abstract: Music is a multimillion-dollar industry the world over, with artists selling out arenas such as the T-Mobile, O2, and MGM Grand on a regular basis – events that hundreds of thousands attend to let loose, dance with friends, and just have a good time. In Pakistan, this phenomenon seems to have slowly been pushed out of the mainstream over the years. PIDE has organized a webinar on “Music as a Creative Industry” to initiate a discussion on the potential of music as a driver of joy, shaper of culture, and catalyst for socioeconomic prosperity – and to debunk myths surrounding the topic, including the notion that those who engage are fools, misfits, heretics, incompetents, etc.
    Date: 2022
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pid:wbrief:2022:85&r=
  11. By: Uzma Zia (Senior Research Economist, PIDE)
    Abstract: Realizing the gaps and importance of the Trade sector, Pakistan initiated its national trade and transport facilitation program. National Trade & Transport Facilitation Committee (NTTFC), a public -private joint venture was established in 2001. The committee works in close coordination of Federal ministries Public sector organizations, chamber of commerce & industry and trade association. NTTFC is responsible to carry on efforts for enhanced trade competitiveness through improved trade and transport facilitation.TF Committee is currently reinvigorated by secretary planning, Pakistan.
    Keywords: Facilitating, Trade, TFA, Bodies, NTTFC,
    Date: 2021
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pid:wbrief:2021:11&r=
  12. By: Azwar Muhammad Aslam (Mphil Scholar, PIDE)
    Abstract: Media plays a critical role as opinion-shaper in Pakistan. The burgeoning forms of media in the form of electronic, print, and social media, shape national narratives about politics, society and culture. Also, with respect to economy, the role is becoming more pronounced when factors such as commercialization, advertisements, political economy, TRPs, media as an avenue for culture industry, and digitization are brought into light In the light of this debate, the current webinar is an attempt to
    Keywords: Politics, Media Economy,
    Date: 2021
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pid:wbrief:2021:20&r=
  13. By: Alweena Hasan (MPhil Scholar, PIDE); Abdul Khaliq (MPhil Scholar, PIDE)
    Abstract: This book preeminently focuses on understanding the Pakistani voters particularly the rural voters in depth. The book is revolving around the voting behavior of the rural people: why they vote and what they think about it. Most of the literature on Pakistan revealed that the rural voters are very constrained in terms of ability to consent as leaders and inclusion.
    Keywords: Crafty Oligarchs, Savvy Voters, Democracy, Rural, Pakistan,
    Date: 2021
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pid:wbrief:2021:32&r=
  14. By: Aqeel Anwar (Lecturer, PIDE); Lubna Hassan (Senior Research Economist, PIDE); Adnan Saqib (Mphil Scholar, PIDE)
    Abstract: Pakistan currently houses some of the largest cities in the world. It has about 20 cities with populations of above a million. Karachi and Lahore are among the twenty-five mega-cities in the world. This rapid urbanization is accompanied by congestion, pollution, mobility issues, shortage of housing and other utilities, and sprawl. Pakistan also has 40 percent of its urban population living in slums. There is a clear shortage of urban public spaces, libraries, office and commercial spaces, and sustainable urban transportation. Our cities are not inclusive either. People living in slums, and street hawkers face a constant threat of eviction. Urban planning in Pakistan has not kept pace with the changes brought about by rapid urbanization. Pakistani cities lack the vigor and dynamism of modern, productive, competitive cities. Future of the countries are in the cities hence they should be better managed. In this webinar, speakers and experts gathered to discuss how cities can do it right.
    Keywords: Cities, Future,
    Date: 2021
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pid:wbrief:2021:17&r=
  15. By: Amila Rafique (MPhil Scholar, PIDE); Nafisa Riaz (PhD Scholar, PIDE)
    Abstract: As you are aware that PIDE is engaged academically on a range of topics that covers country’s current politico-economic, socio-economic and real economic issues. PIDE believes that public policy research must solve key problems that are impeding progress.
    Keywords: Pakistan Economy, IMF,
    Date: 2021
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pid:wbrief:2021:37&r=
  16. By: Shahid Mehmood (Research Fellow, PIDE)
    Abstract: Over time, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) has pioneered the agenda of discussing the many aspects of Pakistan’s cities. Recently, two webinars were held to discuss the plight of street vendors and their rights. The second webinar was held in November 2020, titled ‘Settlement of street vendors in public spaces of Pakistan’. Mr. Arif Hassan, renowned architect and specialist on urban matters, presented his findings and answered questions of participants.
    Keywords: Urban, Street Vendor, Economy,
    Date: 2021
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pid:wbrief:2021:01&r=
  17. By: Danish Bhutto (M.Phil Scholar, PIDE)
    Abstract: Pakistan’s railway sector is not “on rails” and the sector seems to be wrapped around a single institution, Pakistan Railways (PR)—managed collectively by the Ministry of Railways (MoR) and PR. The crisis in PR started in the 1970s and continues to this date. The passenger traffic has reduced, freight traffic has truncated, revenues have scaled-down while working expenses have soared.
    Keywords: Pakistan, Railways,
    Date: 2021
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pid:wbrief:2021:59&r=
  18. By: Azwar Muhammad Aslam (MPhil Scholar, PIDE)
    Abstract: Cricket Leagues have become one of the raging phenomena across the globe. The existing scholarship asserts that such professional leagues provide profitable avenues for players, governments, boards, public and investors. Among the determinants of growth of sports industry are identified public interest, attraction of celebrities, sponsorship of multinational companies and returns on investment. Also, the revenues generated from sports constitute significant determinant of growth of sports industry.
    Keywords: Cricket Market,
    Date: 2021
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pid:wbrief:2021:26&r=
  19. By: Misbah Bashir (Ph.D. Scholar PIDE)
    Abstract: For years now, we have built up Hitchcockian suspense over the trade, we worship trade and have spent a fantastical amount of time and efforts to increase it. But over thirty years, it might not change even the percentage to GDP. Constantly, our eye-rolls have left us with a perpetual squint. Small countries like Costa Rica have a free trade agreement with over 50 countries and 80 to 90 percent of the consumption material comes from trade but in the case of Pakistan, trade has trapped into papers that are only “fake leaves”.
    Keywords: Trade, Regional, Comprehensive Economic, Partnership,
    Date: 2021
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pid:wbrief:2021:21&r=
  20. By: Farah Naz (PhD Scholar, PIDE)
    Abstract: Dr. Nadeem Ul Haq opens the discussion and Mr. Ali Suleman introduces the two books to the audience, first one is “Tax Reforms in Pakistan Historical and Critical Review” and the second is “Towards broad, Flat, Low-rate and predictable taxes”. These books are authored by Ms. Huzaima Bukhari and Dr. Ikramul Haq, and published through the platform of PIDE and PRIME. These books discuss the systemic and organizational flaws in tax system and recommend potential solutions to help where fundamental reforms are needed. Accordingly, taxpayers negotiate with numerous tax authorities, which increases their cost of doing business and lack of tax-related incentives is always overlooked in reform debate.
    Keywords: Tax, Reforms,
    Date: 2021
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pid:wbrief:2021:27&r=

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