|
on Development |
| By: | Mario Holzner (The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw) |
| Abstract: | This paper analyses empirically the danger of a Dutch Disease Effect in tourism-dependent countries in the long run. Data on 134 countries of the world over the period 1970-2007 is used. In a first step the long-run relationship between tourism and economic growth is analysed in a cross-country setting. The results are then checked in a panel data framework on GDP per capita levels that allows to control for reverse causality, non-linearity and interactive effects. It is found that there is no danger of a Beach Disease Effect. On the contrary, tourism-dependent countries do not face real exchange rate distortion and deindustrialization but higher than average economic growth rates. Investment in physical capital, such as transport infrastructure, is complementary to investment in tourism. |
| Keywords: | tourism, Dutch Disease, economic development |
| JEL: | F43 L83 O14 |
| Date: | 2010–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wii:wpaper:66&r=dev |
| By: | Deb Kusum Das; Gunajit Kalita |
| Abstract: | This study attempts to address the issue of declining labour intensity in India’s organized manufacturing in order to understand the constraints on employment generation in the labour intensive sectors. Using primary survey data covering 252 labour intensive manufacturing-exporting firms across five sectors—apparel, leather, gems and jewellery, sports goods, and bicycles for 2005-06 an attempt is made to find out the factors which constrain employment generation in labour intensive firms. The study shows several constraints in the path of employment generation in labour intensive sectors—non-availability of trained skilled workers, infrastructure bottlenecks, low levels of investment, labour rules and regulations, and a noncompetitive export orientation. The study suggests a set of policy initiatives to improve the employment potential of these sectors. [Working Paper No. 237] |
| Keywords: | Indian Organized Manufacturing, Labor Intensity, Employment Growth, Skilled workforce, Wage structure, Export status, Machinery Usage, Labor laws, South Asia |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ess:wpaper:id:2770&r=dev |
| By: | Gil S. Epstein (Department of Economics, Bar Ilan University, IZA and CReAM); Ira N. Gang (Department of Economics, Rutgers University, IZA and CReAM) |
| Abstract: | Culture is not new to the study of migration. It has lurked beneath the surface for some time, occasionally protruding openly into the discussion, usually under some pseudonym. The authors bring culture into the open. They are concerned with how culture manifests itself in the migration process for three groups of actors: the migrants, those remaining in the sending areas, and people already living in the recipient locations. The topics vary widely. What unites the authors is an understanding that though actors behave differently, within a group there are economically important shared beliefs (customs, values, attitudes, etc.), which we commonly refer to as culture. Culture and identify play a central role in our understanding of migration as an economic phenomenon; but what about them matters? Properly, we should be looking at the determinants of identity and the determinants of culture (prices and incomes, broadly defined). But this is not what is done. Usually identity and culture appear in economics articles as a black box. Here we try to begin to break open the black box. |
| Date: | 2010–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:crm:wpaper:201020&r=dev |
| By: | Islam, Nurul |
| Abstract: | This article examines the role of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Bangladesh in pushing the army in a certain direction with regard to holding elections and supporting political parties. It analyses the reasons why the UN peacekeeping mission has such a strong influence on the Bangladesh army and assesses the implications for future political developments of such foreign involvement. It further argues that whatever the limitations and excesses of democracy, army rule is no solution, rather it is necessary to strengthen democractic institutions and let democratic processes play themselves out. In this sense, the recourse to the army to bring in democracy in Bangladesh was not the best solution to the political impasse witnessed in 2007. |
| Keywords: | Bangladesh; UN Peacekeeping |
| JEL: | H0 |
| Date: | 2010 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:24312&r=dev |
| By: | Kumar, Saten; Pacheco, Gail |
| Abstract: | Lifting the long run growth rate is, arguably, the pursuit of every economy. What should Kenya do to enhance its long run growth rate? This paper attempts to answer this question by examining the determinants of total factor productivity (TFP) in Kenya. We utilized the theoretical insights from the Solow (1956) growth model and its extension by Mankiw, Romer and Weil (1992) and followed Senhadji’s (2000) growth accounting procedure. We find that growth in Kenya, until the 1990s was mainly due to factor accumulation. Since then, TFP has made a small contribution to growth. Our findings imply that while variables like overseas development aid, foreign direct investment and progress of financial sector improves TFP, trade openness is the key determinant. Consequently, policy makers should focus on policies that improve trade openness if long run growth rate is to be raised. |
| Keywords: | Solow model; growth accounting; total factor productivity |
| JEL: | O10 O15 |
| Date: | 2010–08–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:24338&r=dev |