nep-sea New Economics Papers
on South East Asia
Issue of 2005‒04‒30
five papers chosen by
Kavita Iyengar
Asian Development Bank

  1. Contingent Valuation of Mortality Risk Reduction in Developing Countries: A Mission Impossible? By Mahmud, Minhaj
  2. Reforms and Productivity Dynamics in Chinese State-Owned Enterprises By Peter McGoldrick; Patrick Paul Walsh
  3. Multilateral agricultural trade liberalization: The contrasting fortunes of developing countries in the Doha Round By Jean-Christophe Bureau; Antoine Bouet, Yvan Decreux, Sébastien Jean
  4. Special and Differential Treatment in the WTO Agricultural Negotiations By Alan Matthews;
  5. Knowledge Sources of Innovation in a Small, Open Economy: The Case of Singapore By Poh Kam Wong; Yuen Ping Ho

  1. By: Mahmud, Minhaj (Department of Economics, School of Economics and Commercial Law, Göteborg University)
    Abstract: Using the contingent valuation method in developing countries to value mortality risk reduction is particularly challenging because of the low level of education of the respondents. In this paper, we examine the effect of training the respondents regarding probabilities and risk reductions, in addition to using visual aids to communicate risk and risk reductions, in a contingent valuation survey. Our results indicate a significantly higher WTP for the trained sub-sample, and WTP is sensitive to the magnitude of risk reduction both with and without the training. <p>
    Keywords: contingent valuation; risk reduction; WTP; effect of training; sensitivity to scope; Bangladesh
    JEL: D60 D80 H40 I10
    Date: 2005–04–26
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:gunwpe:0169&r=sea
  2. By: Peter McGoldrick; Patrick Paul Walsh
    Abstract: Institutional change has taken place incrementally since 1978 for State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in the Industrial Sector of China. We will provide evidence for the notion that this is largely due to increased domestic competitive pressures and the opportunities arising from the integration of international markets. In this paper we estimate the effect of deep reform (the right to hire and fire labour, buy and sell capital and operate on international markets) on the productivity dynamics of entreprises. Using a unique balanced panel of681 SOEs for the period 1980 to 1994, we find consistent production function estimatesusing an algorithm put forward in Olley and Pakes (1996), which estimates using an simultaneity bias. Futhermore, we allow selection bias by formulating an entry that exposure to deep reform hav lead to higher productivity realisations while remaining under state ownership.
    Date: 2004–05–01
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iis:dispap:iiisdp021&r=sea
  3. By: Jean-Christophe Bureau; Antoine Bouet, Yvan Decreux, Sébastien Jean
    Abstract: An applied general equilibrium model is used to assess the impact of multilateral trade liberalization in agriculture, with particular emphasis on developing countries. We use original data, and the model includes some specific features such as a dual labor market. Applied tariffs, including those under preferential regimes and regional agreements, are taken into account at the detailed product level, together with the corresponding bound tariffs on which countries negotiate. The various types of farm support are detailed, and several groups of developing countries are distinguished. Simulations give a contrasted picture of the benefits developing countries would draw from the Doha development round. The results suggest that previous studies that have neglected preferential agreements and the binding overhang (in tariffs as well as domestic support), and have treated developed countries with a high level of aggregation have been excessively optimistic about the actual benefits of multilateral trade liberalization. Regions like sub-Saharan Africa are more likely to suffer from the erosion of existing preferences. The main gainers of the Doha round are likely to be developed countries and Cairns group members. Classification-
    Keywords: CGE model, Doha Round, agriculture, tariff preferences, domestic support.
    Date: 2005–04–20
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iis:dispap:iiisdp060&r=sea
  4. By: Alan Matthews;
    Abstract: This paper examines the case for special and differential (S&D) treatment for developing countries within the WTO Agreement on Agriculture and the particular instruments or exemptions it should contain. The S&D treatment currently allowed to developing countries in the Agreement and the use they have made of it is first described. The range of proposals put forward by developing countries (and by development NGOs in developed countries) is summarised, and the S&D provisions in the August 2004 Framework Agreement for Establishing Modalities in Agriculture are outlined. The reasons why developing countries want special and differential treatment under the AoA are discussed. Some of the main proposals in the Development Box are then reviewed in the light of the justifications presented by its proponents. The paper concludes that the potential exists in the Framework Agreement to take a significant step towards “operationally effective and meaningful provisions” for S&D treatment. While noting this positive outcome, the important objective for developing countries of gaining a reduction in the trade-distorting support and protection by developed countries should not be forgotten. Classification-
    Keywords: CGE model, Doha Round, agriculture, tariff preferences, domestic support.
    Date: 2005–04–20
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iis:dispap:iiisdp061&r=sea
  5. By: Poh Kam Wong (Entrepreneurship Centre, National University of Singapore); Yuen Ping Ho (Entrepreneurship Centre, National University of Singapore)
    Abstract: By tracing the flows of patent citation of prior patents and scientific journal articles, we investigate the sources of knowledge for innovation output in Singapore, a small, highly open economy that has traditionally been significantly dependent on foreign multinational corporations (MNCs). We found that the local production of new knowledge by indigenous Singaporean firms depends disproportionately on technological knowledge produced by MNCs with operational presence in Singapore and scientific knowledge generated by foreign universities. Locally produced new knowledge by indigenous firms and local universities constitute an insignificant, albeit rapidly growing, source for innovation in Singapore.
    Keywords: innovation system, patent citation, Singapore, knowledge sources
    JEL: O P
    Date: 2005–04–28
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wpa:wuwpdc:0504015&r=sea

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