|
on South East Asia |
| By: | Donghyun Park (Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)); Gemma B. Estrada |
| Abstract: | Old-age income support is becoming an issue of growing importance throughout Asia. This is especially true in East and Southeast Asia where the population is aging. This paper provides a broad overview of the current state of pension systems in the People’s Republic of China, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam; analyzes the pension systems; and identifies their major structural weaknesses. The paper concludes with some specific policy directions for pension reform to strengthen the capacity of Asian pension systems in delivering economic security for the large and growing population of elderly looming on the region’s horizon. |
| Keywords: | Pension system, Old-age income support, Asia, East and Southeast Asia, pension reform |
| JEL: | H55 J11 J14 |
| Date: | 2012–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eab:develo:23319&r=sea |
| By: | Donghyun Park (Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)); Gemma B. Estrada |
| Abstract: | Old-age income support is becoming an issue of growing importance throughout Asia. This is especially true in East and Southeast Asia where the population is aging. This paper provides a broad overview of the current state of pension systems in the People’s Republic of China, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam; analyzes the pension systems; and identifies their major structural weaknesses. The paper concludes with some specific policy directions for pension reform to strengthen the capacity of Asian pension systems in delivering economic security for the large and growing population of elderly looming on the region’s horizon. |
| Keywords: | Pension system, Old-age income support, Asia, East and Southeast Asia, pension reform |
| JEL: | H55 J11 J14 |
| Date: | 2012–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eab:laborw:23319&r=sea |
| By: | Donghyun Park (Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)); Gemma B. Estrada |
| Abstract: | Old-age income support is becoming an issue of growing importance throughout Asia. This is especially true in East and Southeast Asia where the population is aging. This paper provides a broad overview of the current state of pension systems in the People’s Republic of China, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam; analyzes the pension systems; and identifies their major structural weaknesses. The paper concludes with some specific policy directions for pension reform to strengthen the capacity of Asian pension systems in delivering economic security for the large and growing population of elderly looming on the region’s horizon. |
| Keywords: | Pension system, Old-age income support, Asia, East and Southeast Asia, pension reform |
| JEL: | H55 J11 J14 |
| Date: | 2012–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eab:financ:23319&r=sea |
| By: | Donghyun Park (Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)); Gemma B. Estrada |
| Abstract: | Old-age income support is becoming an issue of growing importance throughout Asia. This is especially true in East and Southeast Asia where the population is aging. This paper provides a broad overview of the current state of pension systems in the People’s Republic of China, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam; analyzes the pension systems; and identifies their major structural weaknesses. The paper concludes with some specific policy directions for pension reform to strengthen the capacity of Asian pension systems in delivering economic security for the large and growing population of elderly looming on the region’s horizon. |
| Keywords: | Pension system, Old-age income support, Asia, East and Southeast Asia, pension reform |
| JEL: | H55 J11 J14 |
| Date: | 2012–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eab:govern:23319&r=sea |
| By: | Cristina Martinez-Fernandez; Kyungsoo Choi |
| Abstract: | Skills and educational development for inclusive and sustainable growth are becoming significant drivers in OECD countries. Asian countries are not lagging behind on the challenge; on the contrary, they are taking diverse pathways in skills training and education to achieve the end. This report focuses on current efforts in 15 countries in the Asian region: Australia, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. Together, these countries represent one of the most dynamic regions in the world, with steady growth, even during the recent financial crisis. |
| Date: | 2012–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:cfeaaa:2012/12-en&r=sea |
| By: | Arief Anshory Yusuf (Department of Economics, Padjadjaran University) |
| Abstract: | This paper attempts to understand the effect of a recession in Indonesia’s three main trading partners -- Europe, Japan, and China or EJC countries for short—on poverty in Indonesia. Specifically, the paper uses a GTAP model and an INDONESIA-E3 model to examine the impact of a 2 percent decline in GDP (relative to baseline) in the EJC countries on poverty in Indonesia. Results suggest that the impact of such a recession on Indonesia’s GDP through trade-linkages is negative but small. The main reason for this finding has to do with the low dependence of Indonesia on international trade. Results also suggest that the effect of such a recession in the EJC countries on poverty in Indonesia would be negative but small. In Indonesia most of the negative effects of such a recession would be felt by higher income households because they receive a large part of their incomes from the capital and skill-intensive sectors of the economy. Since they are less skilled, the poor are likely to be the first to lose their jobs in the event of an EJC recession. For this reason, the paper urges the Government of Indonesia to consider employment programs to ensure the continued employment of unskilled laborers. |
| Keywords: | Global crisis, poverty, Indonesia |
| JEL: | C68 F17 F47 |
| Date: | 2012–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unp:wpaper:201201&r=sea |
| By: | Yoshitaka Yamazaki (International University of Japan); Jeewhan Yoon (The George Washington University) |
| Abstract: | We explored how fairness perceptions of HR practices affect job satisfaction among Asian managers of MNC subsidiaries, controlling age, gender, job tenure, previous work experiences, and management positions. Our fairness study focus described the effect of procedural justice and that of the transparency, which we have added as a new justice construct that is an organizational level of informational justice. We applied a performance evaluation system as an HR practice implemented over the MNC subsidiaries. Our research participants comprised of 903 Asian managers who worked for a leading Japanese multinational strategically expanding retail business markets in Asian locations: Japan, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Thailand. Our key results revealed that both procedural and transparent fairness perceptions of the HR practice significantly influenced job satisfaction of Asian managers as a whole group. Each regional group also mostly exhibited a strong connection between their fairness perceptions of both procedures and transparency, and their job satisfaction. Finally, we discussed the implication of this study. |
| Keywords: | Procedural justice, transparency, job satisfaction, HR practices, Asian managers, Japanese MNCs |
| Date: | 2012–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iuj:wpaper:ems_2012_05&r=sea |
| By: | Pek Koon Heng (Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)) |
| Abstract: | The paper argues that United States (US) participation in the East Asia Summit (EAS)—regional integration architecture led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)—was motivated by four changes in the regional economic landscape : (i) the Asian financial crisis of 1997 and emergence of the ASEAN+3 grouping; (ii) the rise of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the leading regional growth engine and an active player in regional integration arrangements; (iii) the failure of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) arrangement to foster trade liberalization in the region; and (iv) the inability of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Doha Development Round to lower global trade barriers significantly. In joining the EAS, the Obama Administration espoused an approach known as divided functionality, one that would give priority to APEC, and its trade-focused Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement economic engagement with East Asia, and the EAS for addressing political and security issues. Currently, two architectures for regional economic integration are contesting. The first embodies the US vision of a deeply institutionalized Asia-Pacific economic community, as articulated by the ongoing TPP trade negotiations. The second is represented by the Asia-only ASEAN+3 framework, a shallowly institutionalized grouping with weak enforcement compliance mechanisms. However, despite differences in the two approaches, prospects for a healthy complementarity between them—through overlapping memberships, the application of open regionalism, and the benefits of competitive liberalization among specific trade agreements—seem promising. |
| Keywords: | ASEAN integration, the East Asia Submit, The United States, regional integration architecture, Asia-Pacific economic community |
| JEL: | F13 F15 F18 F55 F59 |
| Date: | 2012–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eab:financ:23310&r=sea |
| By: | Pek Koon Heng (Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)) |
| Abstract: | The paper argues that United States (US) participation in the East Asia Summit (EAS)—regional integration architecture led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)—was motivated by four changes in the regional economic landscape : (i) the Asian financial crisis of 1997 and emergence of the ASEAN+3 grouping; (ii) the rise of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the leading regional growth engine and an active player in regional integration arrangements; (iii) the failure of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) arrangement to foster trade liberalization in the region; and (iv) the inability of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Doha Development Round to lower global trade barriers significantly. In joining the EAS, the Obama Administration espoused an approach known as divided functionality, one that would give priority to APEC, and its trade-focused Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement economic engagement with East Asia, and the EAS for addressing political and security issues. Currently, two architectures for regional economic integration are contesting. The first embodies the US vision of a deeply institutionalized Asia-Pacific economic community, as articulated by the ongoing TPP trade negotiations. The second is represented by the Asia-only ASEAN+3 framework, a shallowly institutionalized grouping with weak enforcement compliance mechanisms. However, despite differences in the two approaches, prospects for a healthy complementarity between them—through overlapping memberships, the application of open regionalism, and the benefits of competitive liberalization among specific trade agreements—seem promising. |
| Keywords: | ASEAN integration, the East Asia Submit, The United States, regional integration architecture, Asia-Pacific economic community |
| JEL: | F13 F15 F18 F55 F59 |
| Date: | 2012–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eab:govern:23310&r=sea |
| By: | Pek Koon Heng (Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)) |
| Abstract: | The paper argues that United States (US) participation in the East Asia Summit (EAS)—regional integration architecture led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)—was motivated by four changes in the regional economic landscape : (i) the Asian financial crisis of 1997 and emergence of the ASEAN+3 grouping; (ii) the rise of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the leading regional growth engine and an active player in regional integration arrangements; (iii) the failure of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) arrangement to foster trade liberalization in the region; and (iv) the inability of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Doha Development Round to lower global trade barriers significantly. In joining the EAS, the Obama Administration espoused an approach known as divided functionality, one that would give priority to APEC, and its trade-focused Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement economic engagement with East Asia, and the EAS for addressing political and security issues. Currently, two architectures for regional economic integration are contesting. The first embodies the US vision of a deeply institutionalized Asia-Pacific economic community, as articulated by the ongoing TPP trade negotiations. The second is represented by the Asia-only ASEAN+3 framework, a shallowly institutionalized grouping with weak enforcement compliance mechanisms. However, despite differences in the two approaches, prospects for a healthy complementarity between them—through overlapping memberships, the application of open regionalism, and the benefits of competitive liberalization among specific trade agreements—seem promising. |
| Keywords: | ASEAN integration, the East Asia Submit, The United States, regional integration architecture, Asia-Pacific economic community |
| JEL: | F13 F15 F18 F55 F59 |
| Date: | 2012–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eab:macroe:23310&r=sea |
| By: | Dyck, John H.; Woolverton, Andrea E.; Rangkuti, Fahwani Yuliati |
| Abstract: | Indonesia’s food market has changed in response to a changing and growing economy. The report examines changes in the food consumption pattern and measures the growth of modern food retail chains, packaged food purchases, and food imports in the world’s fourth-most-populous country. The evidence suggests that Indonesians are moving toward modern global purchasing and consumption patterns, but more slowly than in some comparable countries. Barriers to foreign and domestic commerce, affecting the development of modern food retail supply chains, are important constraints on food market change in Indonesia. Further change in Indonesia’s retail food sector will help determine future growth in imports, including from the United States. |
| Keywords: | Indonesia, Indonesian retail food sector, Indonesian food demand, supply chain, trade barriers, supermarkets, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, International Development, International Relations/Trade, Marketing, |
| Date: | 2012–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:uersib:127495&r=sea |
| By: | Yogi Vidyattama (NATSEM, University of Canberra) |
| Abstract: | For many years there has been a debate about the extent to which large spatial gaps in development exist in Indonesia, especially between the eastern and western parts of the country. To contribute to this issue, this study examines the significance of Indonesia’s spatial development distribution using regional GDP per capita and the Human Development Index as development indicators. Although the results from this study confirm that there are clusters of high and low developed areas within Indonesia, clusters of high regional GDP per capita are spreading in mining areas in both eastern and western Indonesia. Nevertheless, the distribution of the HDI confirms to some extent the existence of a spatial development gap in Indonesia. |
| Keywords: | Regional Indonesia, Regional Development, Spatial Distribution |
| Date: | 2012–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cba:wpaper:wp1119&r=sea |
| By: | Nguyen, Binh Giang |
| Abstract: | The Third Thai-Lao Friendship over the Mekong officially opened on 11th November 2011 facilitates the cross-border trade along Asian Highway 15 and Asian Highway 131 between Northeast Thailand, Central Lao PDR and North Central Vietnam. Since the establishment of East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) which based on the Asian Highway 16, the cross-border trade among countries in Greater Mekong Sub-region has been much facilitated. The success of EWEC encourages local governments in the region to establish other economic corridors. Currently, it seems that there are ambitions to establish parallel corridors with EWEC. The basic criteria for these corridors is the connectivity of Thai-Lao PDR or Lao PDR-Vietnam border gates, major cities in Northeast Thailand, South and Central Lao PDR, and North Central and Mid Central Vietnam, ports in Vietnam by utilizing some existing Asian Highways (AHs) or national highways (NRs). This paper would examine the current state of those corridors including Vietnam’s national highways and provinces and ports they connect. |
| Keywords: | economic corridor; Vietnam; Laos; Thailand; sea port; specicial economic zone |
| JEL: | F15 L92 |
| Date: | 2012 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:40502&r=sea |
| By: | Selvakumar, Ekambar; Huang, Jin; Aidi, Laili; Markendahl, Jan I.; Tollmar, Konrad; Blennerud, Greger |
| Abstract: | -- |
| Date: | 2012 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itse12:60404&r=sea |
| By: | Yoshifumi Fukunaga (Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)); Arata Kuno (Associate Professor, Kyorin University.) |
| Abstract: | ASEAN countries are discussing a possible template for trade in goods chapter of so-called ASEAN++ FTA (also known as RCEP). Analyses of tariff structures under the current ASEAN+1 FTAs give insights on possible approaches as well as challenges in this discussion. To meet 90% or 95% tariff elimination thresholds, both ASEAN countries and their FTA partners should make further efforts. When a "common concession" approach, which we advocate in this paper, is applied, the challenge becomes even larger as member countries should focus their policy discretion on a more limited number of sensitive products. These challenges, on the other hand, mean room for additional gains for potential users of the new agreement despite the existence of ASEAN+1 FTAs. |
| Date: | 2012–05–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:era:wpaper:pb-2012-03&r=sea |
| By: | Ganeshan Wignaraja (Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)) |
| Abstract: | The Association of Southeast Asian Nations JEL Classification : F10, F23, O14 (ASEAN) small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are under scrutiny for their engagement in production networks following recent emphasis on increasing intra-regional trade, rebalancing, and inclusive growth in Asia. Using a data set covering 5,900 firms in five ASEAN economies at different stages of development, this paper analyses the participation of SMEs in production networks, determinants, and policy implications. It finds that although large firms dominate production network engagement in ASEAN economies, there are signs that SMEs have modestly increased their participation since the late-1990s. This is linked to firm-specific factors (e.g., firm size, foreign ownership, skills, technological capabilities, and access to credit) as well as a supportive business environment. Tackling residual supply-side and policy constraints can further the participation of ASEAN SMEs in production networks. |
| Keywords: | Small and medium enterprises, SMEs, Production Networks, ASEAN, intra-regional trade, Business Environment |
| JEL: | F10 F23 O14 |
| Date: | 2012–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eab:microe:23316&r=sea |
| By: | Masagus M. Ridhwan (VU University Amsterdam); Henri L.F. de Groot (VU University Amsterdam); Piet Rietveld (VU University Amsterdam); Peter Nijkamp (VU University Amsterdam) |
| Abstract: | This paper explores the determinants of regional differences in interest rates based on a simple theoretical model of loan pricing. The model demonstrates how risks, costs, market concentration and scale economies jointly determine the bank's interest rates. Using recent data of the Indonesian local credit markets, we find that regional interest rate variations are positive and significantly affected by the banks' risk factor, the operating costs, and market concentration. Scale economies negatively affect the interest rates. These findings help to explain geographical segmentation in loan markets. |
| Keywords: | regional capital mobility; loan pricing; interest rates; Indonesia |
| JEL: | R51 E43 C33 |
| Date: | 2012–07–18 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dgr:uvatin:20120073&r=sea |
| By: | Ganeshan Wignaraja (Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)) |
| Abstract: | The Association of Southeast Asian Nations JEL Classification : F10, F23, O14 (ASEAN) small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are under scrutiny for their engagement in production networks following recent emphasis on increasing intra-regional trade, rebalancing, and inclusive growth in Asia. Using a data set covering 5,900 firms in five ASEAN economies at different stages of development, this paper analyses the participation of SMEs in production networks, determinants, and policy implications. It finds that although large firms dominate production network engagement in ASEAN economies, there are signs that SMEs have modestly increased their participation since the late-1990s. This is linked to firm-specific factors (e.g., firm size, foreign ownership, skills, technological capabilities, and access to credit) as well as a supportive business environment. Tackling residual supply-side and policy constraints can further the participation of ASEAN SMEs in production networks. |
| Keywords: | Small and medium enterprises, SMEs, Production Networks, ASEAN, intra-regional trade, Business Environment |
| JEL: | F10 F23 O14 |
| Date: | 2012–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eab:tradew:23316&r=sea |
| By: | Ganeshan Wignaraja (Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)) |
| Abstract: | The Association of Southeast Asian Nations JEL Classification : F10, F23, O14 (ASEAN) small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are under scrutiny for their engagement in production networks following recent emphasis on increasing intra-regional trade, rebalancing, and inclusive growth in Asia. Using a data set covering 5,900 firms in five ASEAN economies at different stages of development, this paper analyses the participation of SMEs in production networks, determinants, and policy implications. It finds that although large firms dominate production network engagement in ASEAN economies, there are signs that SMEs have modestly increased their participation since the late-1990s. This is linked to firm-specific factors (e.g., firm size, foreign ownership, skills, technological capabilities, and access to credit) as well as a supportive business environment. Tackling residual supply-side and policy constraints can further the participation of ASEAN SMEs in production networks. |
| Keywords: | Small and medium enterprises, SMEs, Production Networks, ASEAN, intra-regional trade, Business Environment |
| JEL: | F10 F23 O14 |
| Date: | 2012–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eab:govern:23316&r=sea |
| By: | Menon, Jayant (Asian Development Bank) |
| Abstract: | The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is highly diverse. It is also divided. The most striking example is the development divide that separates ASEAN’s newer members of Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, and Viet Nam—the CLMV countries—from the organization’s original members, or ASEAN-6. More rapid growth in Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and Viet Nam since the 1990s—driven by trade, investment, and other market reforms—has reduced income differences between this grouping and ASEAN-6. Yet, while the development divide has narrowed, huge gaps remain. The further narrowing of these gaps will require an increase in the pace and breadth of policy reforms, and start addressing labor mobility. Although rapid growth has resulted in convergence among ASEAN members, it has also increased polarization within individual countries. This can threaten social cohesion and the sustainability of future growth. There is a pressing need to invest more in education and health, and to institute land reform. |
| Keywords: | ASEAN; development divide; convergence; inequality; transition economies; labor mobility |
| JEL: | F15 O24 |
| Date: | 2012–07–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:adbrei:0100&r=sea |
| By: | Toshiyuki MATSUURA (Toshiyuki MATSUURA Institute of Economic and Industrial Studies, Keio University, Japan); Kazunobu HAYAKAWA (Kazunobu HAYAKAWA Bangkok Research Center, Japan External Trade Organization, Thailand) |
| Abstract: | This paper attempts to clarify the reasons for the rapid growth of FDI in developing countries, particularly East Asian countries, compared with that of FDI in developed countries. To do this, we will examine the mechanics of HFDI and VFDI, in order to shed light on the role of trade costs. Our empirical analysis by estimating a multinomial logit model of Japanese firmsf FDI choices reveals that the reduction in trade costs between host and home countries attracts even less productive VFDI firms. In contrast, it does not attract HFDI firms. Since developing countries, particularly East Asian countries, have experienced a relatively rapid decrease in trade costs with Japan, our results indicate that the increase in VFDI through trade cost reduction has led to the recent relative surge of FDIs in developing countries. |
| Date: | 2012–06–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:era:wpaper:dp-2012-04&r=sea |
| By: | Kym Anderson (Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)); Anna Strutt |
| Abstract: | Rapid trade-led economic growth in emerging Asia has been shifting the global economic and industrial centres of gravity away from the north Atlantic, raising the importance of Asia in world trade but also altering the commodity composition of trade by Asia and other regions. What began with Japan in the 1950s and the Republic of Korea and Taipei,China from the late 1960s has spread to the much more populous ASEAN region, the People’s Republic of China, and India. This paper examines how that growth and associated structural changes are altering agricultural markets in particular and thereby food security. It does so retrospectively and by projecting a model of the world economy that compares alternative growth strategies, trade policy scenarios and savings behaviors to 2030. Projected impacts on sectoral shares of gross domestic product (GDP), “openness†to trade and the composition and direction of trade are drawn out, followed by effects of the boom in non-farm sectors on agricultural self-sufficiency and real food consumption per capita in Asia and elsewhere. The paper concludes by drawing implications for policies that can address more efficiently Asia’s concerns about food security and rural-urban income disparity than the trade policy measures used by earlier-industrializing Northeast Asia. |
| Keywords: | agriculture, food security, Asia, alternative growth strategies, trade policy scenarios, agricultural self-sufficiency, food consumption |
| JEL: | D58 F13 F15 F17 Q17 |
| Date: | 2012–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eab:develo:23309&r=sea |
| By: | Stephen Howes (Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)); Paul Wyrwoll |
| Abstract: | Developing Asia is the driver of today’s emissions intensive global economy. As the principle source of future emissions, the region is critical to the task of global climate change mitigation. Reflecting this global reality and a range of related domestic issues, the governments of the People’s Republic of China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Viet Nam have embarked upon an ambitious policy agenda. This report reviews the present and future policy settings for climate change mitigation and green growth in Asia’s major emerging economies. Although recent targets and commitments will involve a fundamental change in emissions trajectories, the urgency and extent of necessary global action requires ambition to be raised even further in developing Asia. An additional transformation will be required for the trajectory of emissions and energy demand, as well as the future composition of the power generation mix. Achieving these transformations will not be easy. There are a substantial number of policy instruments available, yet significant obstacles stand in the way of their effective deployment. Governments face a number of policy challenges, including : energy sector reform, economic reform, strengthening institutional capacity, and securing international support. The principal conclusion of this analysis is that the task facing Asia’s policymakers is not simply one of setting targets and pursuing narrowly focused policies to reach them. Rather, a broad–scale approach involving all sections of the economy and government will be required to achieve the shift to a sustainable, low-emissions development trajectory. |
| Keywords: | Climate change, Green growth, mitigation, developing Asia, emerging economies, carbon emissions |
| JEL: | O44 Q54 Q58 Q40 Q42 Q53 Q56 O10 |
| Date: | 2012–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eab:energy:23308&r=sea |
| By: | Stephen Howes (Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)); Paul Wyrwoll |
| Abstract: | Developing Asia is the driver of today’s emissions intensive global economy. As the principle source of future emissions, the region is critical to the task of global climate change mitigation. Reflecting this global reality and a range of related domestic issues, the governments of the People’s Republic of China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Viet Nam have embarked upon an ambitious policy agenda. This report reviews the present and future policy settings for climate change mitigation and green growth in Asia’s major emerging economies. Although recent targets and commitments will involve a fundamental change in emissions trajectories, the urgency and extent of necessary global action requires ambition to be raised even further in developing Asia. An additional transformation will be required for the trajectory of emissions and energy demand, as well as the future composition of the power generation mix. Achieving these transformations will not be easy. There are a substantial number of policy instruments available, yet significant obstacles stand in the way of their effective deployment. Governments face a number of policy challenges, including : energy sector reform, economic reform, strengthening institutional capacity, and securing international support. The principal conclusion of this analysis is that the task facing Asia’s policymakers is not simply one of setting targets and pursuing narrowly focused policies to reach them. Rather, a broad–scale approach involving all sections of the economy and government will be required to achieve the shift to a sustainable, low-emissions development trajectory. |
| Keywords: | Climate change, Green growth, mitigation, developing Asia, emerging economies, carbon emissions |
| JEL: | O44 Q54 Q58 Q40 Q42 Q53 Q56 O10 |
| Date: | 2012–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eab:develo:23308&r=sea |
| By: | Teguh Dartanto (Institute for Economic and Social Research (LPEM FEUI), Faculty of Economics, University of Indonesia) |
| Abstract: | The CIT reform enacted by Law No.36 of 2008 cuts maximum tax rates from 30 per cent to 25 per cent and offers some incentives for business in Indonesia. This study aims at measuring the impacts of 2008 CIT reform on tax revenue and poverty. The 2008 CIT reform supported with the administrative reforms and the 2008 tax amnesty policy has increased new corporate tax payers by 422,407 and tax revenue by 53.95 per cent during 2009 to 2011. Further, the simulation result of CGE-Microsimulation shows that cutting the CIT rate from 30 per cent to 25 per cent will attract IDR 41.77 trillion of new investments, create 441,910 new job opportunities, boost 1.46 per cent of economic growth, decline 1 per cent of consumer price index, and raise averagely 1.5 per cent of wage rates. These macroeconomic changes contribute significantly to lift 1.88 million people (0.898 per cent) out of poverty. |
| Keywords: | Corporate Income Tax Reform, CGE, Microsimulation, Poverty, Indonesia |
| JEL: | C68 H25 I32 I38 |
| Date: | 2012–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:lpe:wpecbs:201203&r=sea |
| By: | Fithra Faisal Hastiadi (Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics, Universitas Indonesia) |
| Abstract: | East Asia has been witnessing an increased trade in parts and components over the last decade. This fact has increased the importance of Intra Industry Trade (IIT) within the region. To differentiate the types of IIT, this paper employs two types of threshold. The first one follows the work of Abd-el-Rahman (1991), Greenaway, Hine, and Milner (1994), and Fontagné, Freudenberg, and Péridy (1997), which mainly use a 15% threshold, the second one is based from the work of Fukao (2003) that employs 25% threshold. Should we know to which degree ASEAN-4’s exports are dispersed, we could easily extract the proper policy to cope with any economic shocks. Thus said, since China-Japan-Korea (CJK)’s Vertical IIT to ASEAN4 is a very important variable to provide cushions of any possible shocks therefore, it is very crucial to figure out the factors that determine the CJK’s Vertical IIT in South East Asia. Employing static panel data models, this paper concludes that logistic performance and the difference in wage or income are major determinants for the CJK’s Vertical IIT trend in ASEAN4 countries. |
| Keywords: | Vertical Intra Industry Trade, product fragmentation, panel data |
| JEL: | F14 F19 C23 |
| Date: | 2012–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:lpe:wpecbs:201205&r=sea |
| By: | Stephen Howes (Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)); Paul Wyrwoll |
| Abstract: | Developing Asia is the driver of today’s emissions intensive global economy. As the principle source of future emissions, the region is critical to the task of global climate change mitigation. Reflecting this global reality and a range of related domestic issues, the governments of the People’s Republic of China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Viet Nam have embarked upon an ambitious policy agenda. This report reviews the present and future policy settings for climate change mitigation and green growth in Asia’s major emerging economies. Although recent targets and commitments will involve a fundamental change in emissions trajectories, the urgency and extent of necessary global action requires ambition to be raised even further in developing Asia. An additional transformation will be required for the trajectory of emissions and energy demand, as well as the future composition of the power generation mix. Achieving these transformations will not be easy. There are a substantial number of policy instruments available, yet significant obstacles stand in the way of their effective deployment. Governments face a number of policy challenges, including : energy sector reform, economic reform, strengthening institutional capacity, and securing international support. The principal conclusion of this analysis is that the task facing Asia’s policymakers is not simply one of setting targets and pursuing narrowly focused policies to reach them. Rather, a broad–scale approach involving all sections of the economy and government will be required to achieve the shift to a sustainable, low-emissions development trajectory. |
| Keywords: | Climate change, Green growth, mitigation, developing Asia, emerging economies, carbon emissions |
| JEL: | O44 Q54 Q58 Q40 Q42 Q53 Q56 O10 |
| Date: | 2012–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eab:govern:23308&r=sea |
| By: | Kym Anderson (Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)); Anna Strutt |
| Abstract: | Rapid trade-led economic growth in emerging Asia has been shifting the global economic and industrial centres of gravity away from the north Atlantic, raising the importance of Asia in world trade but also altering the commodity composition of trade by Asia and other regions. What began with Japan in the 1950s and the Republic of Korea and Taipei,China from the late 1960s has spread to the much more populous ASEAN region, the People’s Republic of China, and India. This paper examines how that growth and associated structural changes are altering agricultural markets in particular and thereby food security. It does so retrospectively and by projecting a model of the world economy that compares alternative growth strategies, trade policy scenarios and savings behaviors to 2030. Projected impacts on sectoral shares of gross domestic product (GDP), “openness†to trade and the composition and direction of trade are drawn out, followed by effects of the boom in non-farm sectors on agricultural self-sufficiency and real food consumption per capita in Asia and elsewhere. The paper concludes by drawing implications for policies that can address more efficiently Asia’s concerns about food security and rural-urban income disparity than the trade policy measures used by earlier-industrializing Northeast Asia. |
| Keywords: | agriculture, food security, Asia, alternative growth strategies, trade policy scenarios, agricultural self-sufficiency, food consumption |
| JEL: | D58 F13 F15 F17 Q17 |
| Date: | 2012–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eab:macroe:23309&r=sea |
| By: | Ari KUNCORO (Ari KUNCORO University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia) |
| Abstract: | In this paper we examine the impact of globalization on innovation in the Indonesian manufacturing sector. The lack of innovation data in the manufacturing survey has necessitated the use of R&D expenditure as an input in the innovation production function. Globalization is represented by being exporters, FDI and effective rate of protection (EPR). The model is set up such as within the concept of R&D as conditional input demand function, allowing labor productivity to have impact on R&D. In this case we find that less productive firms are less likely to venture into R&D activities. In terms of globalization variables we find that being exporters is important determinant of R&D. Meanwhile the impact of FDI firms on domestic R&D is only on the incidence not on the intensity of R&D. It will require a critical mass of firms within a location or an agglomeration to have a meaningful impact. Also lower ERP would induce firms to spend more on R&D. So lowering protection or trade barriers will have positive impact on R&D. |
| Date: | 2012–06–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:era:wpaper:dp-2012-09&r=sea |
| By: | Roos K. Andadari (Satya Wacana Christian University); Henri L.F. de Groot (VU University Amsterdam); Piet Rietveld (VU University Amsterdam) |
| Abstract: | This paper exploits micro firm level data to examine the impact of spatial clustering and links to foreign buyer networks on firm performance in the wood furniture industry in Central Java, Indonesia. The analysis is based on an annual manufacturing survey. We identify the impact of specialization of the cluster, diversification, and links to foreign buyer networks. For this purpose, a production function framework is developed. The results lend support to the view that clustering of large and medium scale specialized firms improves firm performance, while clustering of small scale specialized firms and clustering of diverse firms are not conducive to firm performance. We also find a clear positive association between involvement in exporting activities and firm performance. |
| Keywords: | Productivity; Externalities; Wood Furniture Industry; Indonesia |
| JEL: | D20 R11 R32 |
| Date: | 2012–07–18 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dgr:uvatin:20120072&r=sea |
| By: | Matthew S. Yiu (ASEAN + 3 Macroeconomic Research Office); Jun Yu (Sim Kee Boon Institute for Financial Economics, School of Economics and Lee Kong Chian School of Business); Lu Jin (Hong Kong Monetary Authority) |
| Abstract: | This study uses a newly developed bubble detection method (Phillips, Shi and Yu, 2011) to identify real estate bubbles in the Hong Kong residential property market. Our empirical results reveal several positive bubbles in the Hong Kong residential property market, including one in 1995, a stronger one in 1997, another one in 2004, and a more recent one in 2008. In addition, the method identifies two negative bubbles in the data, one in 2000 and the other one in 2001. These empirical results continue to be valid for the mass segment and the luxury segment. However, the method finds a bubble in early 2011 in the overall market as well as in the mass segment but not in the luxury segment. This result suggests that the bubble in early 2011 in the Hong Kong real estate market came more strongly from the mass segment under the demand pressure from end‐users of small‐to‐medium sized apartments. |
| Keywords: | asset bubble; residential property prices; right‐tailed unit root test; explosive behaviour; price‐to‐rent ratio |
| JEL: | C22 G12 R31 |
| Date: | 2012–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:siu:wpaper:31-2012&r=sea |
| By: | Ruiz estrada , M.A. |
| Abstract: | This paper proposes a new model to analyze the mobility of investment flows at the intra-states level, domestic level, intra-regional level and global level. This new model is entitled “the multi-level investment flow monitoring model (MIF-model)”. The MIF-model proposes five new indicators: domestic direct investment growth rate (DDI); intra-regional direct investment growth rate (IDI); total investment formation growth rate (TIF); investment reception performance growth rate (IRP). These indicators are built to analyze the mobility of investment flows in any country or region from a multi-level perspective across time and space. However, the application of the MIF-model is based on the analysis of investment flows behavior in China and ASEAN members in the past forty years. |
| Keywords: | Econographicology; Foreign Direct Investment (FDI); Capitals; Multidimensional Coordinate Spaces; Multidimensional Graphical Modeling for Economics; China; ASEAN |
| JEL: | E22 |
| Date: | 2012–08–14 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:40653&r=sea |
| By: | Doi, Yoko; McKenzie, David; Zia, Bilal |
| Abstract: | There has long been a concern among policymakers that too much of remittances are consumed and too little saved, limiting the development impact of migration. Financial literacy programs have become an increasingly popular way to try and address this issue, but to date there is no evidence that they are effective in inducing savings among remittance-receiving households, nor is it clear whether such programs are best targeted at the migrant, the remittance receiver, or both. The authors conducted a randomized experiment in Indonesia which allocated migrants and their families to a control group, a migrant-only training group, a family member-only training group, and a training group in which both the migrant and a family member were trained. Three rounds of follow-up surveys are then used to measure impacts on the financial knowledge, behaviors, and remittance and savings outcomes of the remaining household. They find that training both the migrant and the family member together has large and significant impacts on knowledge, behaviors, and savings. Training the family member alone has some positive, but smaller effects, whilst training only the migrant leads to no impacts on the remaining family members. The results show that financial education can have large effects when provided at a teachable moment, but that this impact varies greatly with who receives training. |
| Keywords: | Financial Literacy,Access to Finance,Education For All,Access&Equity in Basic Education,Primary Education |
| Date: | 2012–08–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:6157&r=sea |
| By: | Marn-Heong Wong (Assistant Professor, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore); Marie Isabelle Pellan (Counsellor, Legal Affairs Division, WTO) |
| Abstract: | ASEAN is working towards establishing a Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership with its FTA partners. All five existing ASEAN+1 FTAs contain provisions on trade facilitation. Although varying in their scope, specificity and depth of commitments, they tend to cover several core areas and affirm the application of international agreements, standards and instruments. A review of trade facilitation performance shows that there are great disparities among ASEAN countries and their FTA partners. Reform efforts in the area of trade facilitation could be tracked regularly through a set of specially-compiled indicators. The following policy recommendations could inform discussions on trade facilitation coverage in the context of a wider agreement between ASEAN and its FTA partners: (i) define a consistent set of trade facilitation principles; (ii) adopt specific trade facilitation measures; (iii) monitor performance in core trade facilitation areas and set targets; (iv) share best practices and implement capacity-building measures in priority areas; and (v) keep abreast of developments in the multilateral process. |
| Date: | 2012–07–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:era:wpaper:pb-2012-04&r=sea |
| By: | Keesookpuna, Chutipong; Mitomob, Hitoshi |
| Abstract: | The aim of this study is to verify the causal relationship between ICT and economic development in Thailand by providing a comprehensive framework based on economic theory and followed by sound quantitative analyses. The contribution of ICT to economic growth has been repeatedly discussed in the literature. Most studies in developed nations have concluded positive impacts of ICT on economic development (Cronin et al., 1991; Koutroumpis, 2009; Roller & Waverman, 2001). In addition, there are a number of related researches in developing countries that emphasised the ICT as a favourable driver for economic prosperity (Madden & Savage, 1998, 2000). Founded on the interest of aforementioned researches, this study tackles a further investigation on this issue by focusing on the relationship of ICT and improvement of labour productivity in a developing country. Thailand was selected as ground for investigation since for this country the relationship has not yet been examined by using a macroeconomic model. In other words, this study aims to provide a country study of Thailand with respect to the impact of ICT on the macroeconomic development. In terms of the formation of relevant variables, the quantitative proxy for ICT is presumably the value of communications extracted from value-added national output. Then such the value is disintegrated into two variables, namely value of communications consumption and investment. The value of labour productivity is measured in terms of output per employed worker. The following quantitative economic approaches are adopted. Firstly, it begins with a theoretical derivation of a Cobb-Douglas production function, which is a modification of the model of Khan & Santos (2002). Secondly, a framework is proposed in order to incorporate the two types of communications and labour productivity. The framework represents an interesting yet conjectural relationship of the two variables of communications and labour productivity. Finally, econometric analyses are conducted, providing robust results and endorsing the validity of the framework... -- |
| Date: | 2012 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itse12:60378&r=sea |
| By: | Pao-li CHANG (School of Economics, Singapore Management University); Tomoki Fujii (School of Economics, Singapore Management University) |
| Abstract: | We study the impact of country image on international trade flows. We find that a one percentage point increase in the positive response ratio – the proportion of people in the importing country who view the exporting country positively – is associated with at least a one percent increase in the aggregate trade flow. By disaggregating trade flows by type of goods, we also find that both homogeneous and differentiated goods are positively affected by better country image and that the impact of country image tends to be larger when more substitutes are available in the international market. |
| Date: | 2012–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:siu:wpaper:29-2012&r=sea |
| By: | Sylwia Nowak; Olga Krasicka |
| Abstract: | What attracts conventional investors to Islamic financial instruments? We answer this question by comparing Malaysian Islamic and conventional security prices and their response to macrofinancial factors. Our analysis suggests that Islamic and conventional bond and equity prices are driven by common factors. Likewise, especially in recent years, Islamic banks have responded to economic and financial shocks in the same way as conventional banks, suggesting that the gap between Islamic and conventional financial practices is shrinking. |
| Keywords: | Banking sector , Bond markets , Bonds , Capital markets , Commercial banks , Financial instruments , Islamic banking , |
| Date: | 2012–06–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfwpa:12/151&r=sea |
| By: | Shahbaz, Muhammad; Solarin, Sakiru Adebola; Mahmood, Haider |
| Abstract: | This study deals with the question whether financial development reduces CO2 emissions or not in case of Malaysia. For this purpose, we apply the bounds testing approach to cointegration for long run relations between the variables. The study uses annual time series data over the period 1971-2008. Ng-Perron stationarity test is applied to test the unit root properties of the series. Our results validate the presence of cointegration between CO2 emissions, financial development, energy consumption and economic growth. The empirical evidence also indicates that financial development reduces CO2 emissions. Energy consumption and economic growth add in CO2 emissions. The Granger causality analysis reveals the feedback hypothesis between financial development and CO2 emissions, energy consumption and CO2 emissions and, between CO2 emissions and economic growth. The present study provides new sights for policy making authorities to use financial sector as an instrument to decline energy emissions. |
| Keywords: | Financial development; CO2 emissions; Cointegration |
| JEL: | Q5 Q4 |
| Date: | 2012–08–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:40603&r=sea |
| By: | Napasintuwong, O. (Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics,Faculty of Economics,Kasetsart University,Thailand) |
| Abstract: | Rice breeding is one of the ways to tackle production problems and to maintain production competitiveness of the country. Although Thailand has been successfully developing improved rice varieties, there is a lack of economic assessment of research investment which is important information for appropriate research planning. Chainat1 is hard rice resistant to leaf curl and blast diseases, resistant to brown plant hoppers and white-backed plant hoppers, and high yielding. These traits were highly demanded by farmers at the time of the release (1993) because existing varieties at the time were vulnerable to pests and diseases such that Chinat1 has been highly accepted until now. This study assesses economic impact of research investment in Chinat1 breeding program by assuming six cases. The results show that in all cases, the net present values of research investment are positive and could generate high internal rates of returns than the discount rate. Thus, the research and investment in rice breeding should continuously be supported, particularly, the breeding programs that target production problems and yield improvements. |
| Keywords: | Chainat 1, research investment, rice breeding, economic impact assessment |
| JEL: | Q16 |
| Date: | 2012–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:kau:wpaper:201202&r=sea |
| By: | Prijono Tjiptoherijanto (Department of Economics, Universitas Indonesia) |
| Abstract: | During the last forty years, the willingness and capacity of the Malaysian public service to accept and implement administrative changes and reforms should be appreciated. This was especially true in the eighties when there was political backing to administrative reforms and what appeared to be a permanent agenda on such reforms by top administrative leadership. In order to anticipate challenges brought by globalization and economic liberalization, the civil service has to be more efficient in the frontline, whereas frontier agencies must instill a global mindset, meaning they must observe the world from a broad perspective. One way to acquire this expertise is by providing better education and training programs to all Malaysian regardless of race and religion. |
| Keywords: | Administrative leadership, economic liberalization, ecient civil service |
| JEL: | D73 |
| Date: | 2012–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:lpe:wpecbs:201204&r=sea |
| By: | Cassey LEE (Cassey LEE School of Economics, University of Wollongong, Australia) |
| Abstract: | Technological upgrading of a countryfs manufacturing sector requires the enhancement of firm-level capabilities. Knowledge flows within firms and those between firms and other entities are important aspects of this process. The nature and significance of such knowledge flows for innovation-related activities (such as in-house R&D, acquisition of technology-embedded investments and training) are likely to differ for each type of activity. The links between innovation and knowledge flows are particularly important for innovation activities in the form of acquisition of machinery, equipment and software. There is also some weak evidence that globalization-related variables such as foreign direct investment and exporting can affect certain types of innovation activities such as training and acquisition of machinery, equipment and software. This study also finds that firm-level organizational dimensions and innovations are related to both internal and external knowledge flows. However, there is evidence that the links between innovative firms in Malaysia and other firms abroad in terms of co-operative activities are relatively weak. This raises the issue of whether such firms are able to tap the global technological-pool effectively. |
| Date: | 2012–06–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:era:wpaper:dp-2012-11&r=sea |
| By: | Prijono Tjiptoherijanto (Department of Economics Faculty of Economics, University of Indonesia) |
| Abstract: | After the 1973 student demonstration marked a changing in Thai political history. The principle of Weberian bureaucracy such as political neutrality becomes the legal framework of the Civil Service under democratic environment. However, given the cultural values and their impact on the bureaucracy, any serious change must came from the top leadership.Another characteristic of the Thai's civil service is corruption practices. The close personal connections between politician, civil service, and businessmen, are the backbone of networks of corruption that reach from the central government down to local governments. |
| Keywords: | Bureaucratic culture, corruption, democratic environment |
| JEL: | D73 |
| Date: | 2012–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:lpe:wpecbs:201201&r=sea |
| By: | Ha Trong Nguyen; Amy Y.C. Liu; Alison L. Booth |
| Abstract: | In the absence of a broad-based pension scheme, the elderly in developing countries may rely on monetary transfers made by their children and on their own labour supply. This paper examines whether monetary transfers from children help to reduce elderly parents’ need to work. Taking the possible endogeneity of children’s transfers in the parents’ labour supply into account and using maximum likelihood methods and Vietnamese data, we find that monetary transfers help the elderly cope with risks associated with old age or illness. At the same time, however, monetary transfers are not sufficient to fully substitute for parents’ labour supply. |
| Keywords: | old-age support, labour supply, inter-generational transfers, endogenous variable, maximum likelihood |
| JEL: | J14 J22 J26 |
| Date: | 2012–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:auu:dpaper:664&r=sea |
| By: | Orden, David; Blandford, David; Josling, Timothy Edward; Brink, Lars |
| Abstract: | When the World Trade Organization (WTO) was created in 1995, its members committed themselves to a set of disciplines for domestic support, market access, and export competition for agriculture. The Agreement on Agriculture laid the way for the pursuit of progressive reductions in world agricultural market distortions. Its supporters hoped the new rules and commitments would encourage countries to move domestic farm policies in a less trade-distorting direction. This research brief examines the Agreement’s domestic support disciplines and their potential strengthening under the as-yet unfinished Doha Round negotiations. The brief provides a summary of the main conclusions from the March 2011 book WTO Disciplines on Agricultural Support: Seeking a Fair Basis for Trade. The analysis focuses on four developed countries (the United States, the European Union [as a single “countryâ€], Japan, and Norway) and four developing countries (Brazil, China, India, and the Philippines). We highlight the substantial differences among these countries in their notifications of policy measures and the support they provide. Where a complete set of notifications is not available for 1995–2008, estimates (“shadow†notifications) are constructed. Domestic support is also projected through the mid-2010s and compared to existing and potential WTO commitments. |
| Keywords: | WTO, trade, Farm management, Doha agreement, World Trade Organization Developing countries, WTO Doha round, |
| Date: | 2011 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:resbrf:16&r=sea |
| By: | Prijono Tjiptoherijanto (Department of Economics Faculty of Economics, University of Indonesia) |
| Abstract: | The connection between administrative reform and civil society, was an issue on the agenda of the New Public Management (NPM) in the 1960's and 1970's. While reinventing government movement has stimulated both interest in and criticism of the impact on civil society of public sector entrepreneurship. Modernizing the civil service starts by \bringing the citizens in". Therefore, a strong and sincere leadership in government's bureaucracy is needed. In the other words, building a strong and democratic government is a must. |
| Keywords: | Reinventing government, citizen involvement, strong leadership |
| JEL: | D73 |
| Date: | 2012–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:lpe:wpecbs:201202&r=sea |
| By: | de Sousa, José; Mayer, Thierry; Zignago, Soledad |
| Abstract: | This paper develops a method to measure difficulties in market access over a large set of industries and countries (both developing and developed), during the period 1980-2006. We use a micro-founded heterogeneous-consumers model to estimate the impact of national borders on global and regional trade flows. Results show that difficulties faced by developing countries' exporters in accessing developed markets are 50\% higher than those faced by Northern exporters. These difficulties have however experienced a noticeable fall since 1980 in all industries. It is twenty three times easier to enter Northern and Southern markets for a Southern country exporter in 2006 than in 1980. Expressed in tariff-equivalent, the level of protection implied when crossing a border fell from 180 to 89\% for this same sample. While tariffs still have an influence on trade patterns, they do not seem to explain an important part of the border effect. Last, our theory-based measure offers a renewal of the assessment of the impact of regional trading arrangements. The EU, NAFTA, ASEAN and MERCOSUR agreements all tend to reduce the estimated degree of market fragmentation within those zones, with the expected ranking between their respective trade impact. |
| Keywords: | Border Effects; Distances; Gravity; Market Access; North-South Trade; Regional integration; Tariffs; Trade Costs |
| JEL: | F12 |
| Date: | 2012–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:9085&r=sea |
| By: | Kubo, Koji |
| Abstract: | In the five-year period from 2006 to 2011, the real exchange rate of the Myanmar kyat appreciated 200 percent, signifying that the value of the US dollar in Myanmar diminished to one third of its previous level. While the resource boom is suspected as a source of the real exchange rate appreciation, its aggravation is related to administrative controls on foreign exchange and imports. First, foreign exchange controls prevented replacement of the negotiated transactions of foreign exchange with the bank intermediation. This hampered government interventions in the market. Second, import controls repressed imports, aggravating excess supply of foreign exchange. Relaxation of administrative controls is necessary for moderating currency appreciation. |
| Keywords: | Myanmar, Foreign exchange, Exchange control, Trade policy, Imports, Real exchange rate, Resource boom, Import controls |
| JEL: | F31 O24 Q33 |
| Date: | 2012–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:jet:dpaper:dpaper358&r=sea |
| By: | Dirk Heine; John Norregaard; Ian W.H. Parry |
| Abstract: | This paper recommends a system of upstream taxes on fossil fuels, combined with refunds for downstream emissions capture, to reduce carbon and local pollution emissions. Motor fuel taxes should also account for congestion and other externalities associated with vehicle use, at least until mileage-based taxes are widely introduced. An examination of existing energy/environmental tax systems in Germany, Sweden, Turkey, and Vietnam suggests that there is substantial scope for policy reform. This includes harmonizing taxes for pollution content across different fuels and end-users, better aligning tax rates with values for externalities, and scaling back taxes on vehicle ownership and electricity use that are redundant (on environmental grounds) in the presence of more targeted taxes. |
| Keywords: | Cross country analysis , Energy taxes , Environmental protection , Germany , Sweden , Tax reforms , Tax system reviews , Turkey , Vietnam , |
| Date: | 2012–07–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfwpa:12/180&r=sea |
| By: | Rafaelita M. ALDABA (Rafaelita M. ALDABA Philippine Institute for Development Studies, Manila, the Philippines) |
| Abstract: | What is the impact on firmsf innovative activities of the removal of barriers to trade? Does the increase in competition arising from trade reforms lead to increases in innovation? This paper attempts to examine the link between trade liberalization and innovation, using firm panel data on the Philippine manufacturing industry. With the framework of Impulliti and Licandro (2009, 2010) as guide, a two-stage approach is tested, where trade and innovation are linked via competition. A reduction in tariffs leads to an increase in competition as price cost margins fall due to the increase in the number of players in the domestic market. With the reduction in price cost margins, profits fall and the productivity threshold above which firms can operate profitably increases. This forces inefficient firms out of the market and resources are reallocated from exiting firms to the higher productivity surviving firms, which innovate at a faster pace. The results show that trade liberalization, has significant positive impact, through competition, on innovation. Given the crucial role of competition in the relationship between trade liberalization and innovation, it is important for the government to maintain the contestability of markets. The presence of trade barriers or government regulations that limit market entry can create inefficiencies leading to reduced long-term growth. These weaken competition and prevent structural changes from taking place, resulting in resources being tied to low-productivity industries. Weak competition reduces the pressure on firms to adopt new technology or innovate, resulting in low growth of productivity and a loss of competitiveness. Despite two decades of implementing liberalization policy, competition and productivity growth remained weak in the Philippines, not only due to the presence of structural and behavioral barriers to entry, but also to the countryfs inadequate physical and institutional infrastructure. Due to the fundamental weakness of competition in many major economic sectors, the gains from liberalization remained limited, which slowed down the countryfs economic growth. |
| Date: | 2012–06–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:era:wpaper:dp-2012-05&r=sea |
| By: | Mapa, Dennis S.; Lucagbo, Michael; Balisacan, Arsenio M.; Corpuz, Jose Rowell T.; Ignacio, Czarina Lei S. |
| Abstract: | The population debate in the country has been dynamic and contentious. On the one hand, proponents of population management say that the rapid population growth in the Philippines has hindered the country’s economic development. On the other hand, others are saying that population growth is uncorrelated with economic growth. The core idea behind the link between population and economic growth is the demographic transition. Demographic transition is a change from a situation of high fertility and high mortality to one of low fertility and low mortality. Advocates of speeding the demographic transition placed emphasis on the need of public efforts to speed up the voluntary reduction in fertility rates as rapidly as possible, arguing that demographic transitions, where they have occurred, have typically been accelerated and even triggered, by proactive government policies. Those that are against direct government intervention argue that fertility rates fall when income rises and therefore, policies to increase income should be the main concern. This paper looks at the relationship between per capita income and total fertility rate (TFR), controlling for other factors, using a regional panel econometric model using data from the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), Family Planning Survey (FPS), Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES), Labor Force Survey (LFS) and the Regional Gross Domestic Product (RGDP). The results show that increasing per capita income indeed reduces TFR but its impact is minimal and given that the country average per capita growth is low, it will take some time before the country benefits from the demographic transition through the income effect alone. The results of the analysis can also explain why the decline in fertility rate in the Philippines has been slower in recent times, lagging behind the significant changes in the international scene. |
| Keywords: | Total Fertility Rate; Demographic Transition; Fixed Effects Model |
| JEL: | J13 C23 J11 |
| Date: | 2012–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:40750&r=sea |
| By: | Emiliano Magrini (Sapienza University); Pierluigi Montalbano (University of Sussex and Sapienza University) |
| Abstract: | Following on from the existing poverty assessments of trade liberalisation in Vietnam under "doi moi", the aim of this paper is to provide a parallel assessment of vulnerability from trade. Taking advantage of the existence of extensive household data from two different sets of Vietnamese household surveys (VLSS and VHLSS) covering the entire period 1992-2008, it applies a new vulnerability measure to assess empirically the presence of robust heterogeneity in the vulnerability of Vietnamese households according to their relative position in trade related activities. The contribution of this paper is twofold: it sheds light on the timely debate on vulnerability to poverty from trade openness focusing on micro linkages between trade liberalisation and household consumption over a longer time span than is usually covered by current literature; it proposes a new vulnerability measure capable of assessing, besides the non-stochastic poverty determinants and the observed impact of shocks on households, the net welfare effect of risk-induced "ex-ante" changing behaviour, using cross-sectional data. The main results of this paper are the following: it highlights the presence of a growing phenomenon of vulnerability induced by risk exposure alongside the reduction of poverty rates in Vietnam; it demonstrates the presence of a negative welfare effect of "ex ante" changing behaviour induced by risk exposure. On the top of that, it assesses robust heterogeneity in vulnerability according to households' relative position in trade related activities. Our empirical results are relevant for policymaking. They highlight that the so-called “economic stabilisation policies” should receive more consideration even in absence of downside shocks. |
| Keywords: | trade openness, vulnerability, poverty, Vietnam |
| JEL: | F14 O12 D12 C31 |
| Date: | 2012–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sus:susewp:3512&r=sea |
| By: | Vu , Van Huong |
| Abstract: | This study examines whether high productivity is either the cause or a consequence of a business’s decision to export. Using a balanced panel dataset from 2005-2009 for Vietnamese manufacturing private SMEs, our empirical results find strongly statistical evidence for the self-selection of more productive firms into the export market. The alternative hypothesis, learning by exporting, was shown to be invalid through employing fixed effect panel data estimation, and fixed effect Instrumental Variable regression. By going beyond the previous literature, this study also reveals that export participation has a statistically insignificant impact on technical efficiency, technical progress, and scale change. Last but not least, improvement in innovative capacity and network with foreign customers is also important determinants in boosting the export participation of private enterprises. |
| Keywords: | Productivity; self-selection; learning by exporting or both |
| JEL: | F0 |
| Date: | 2012–08–17 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:40708&r=sea |
| By: | Bildirici, Melike |
| Abstract: | Knowledge of the direction of the causality between electricity consumption and economic growth is of primary importance if appropriate energy policies and energy conservation measures are to be devised.This study estimates the causality relationship between electricity consumption and economic growth by Markov Switching Vector Auto Regression (VAR) and Markov Switching Granger Causality methods for some emerging countries; Brunei, Cameron, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, South Africa, Togo and Zimbabwe. The results from MS-VAR models show that in regime one, two and three, Electricity Consumption (EC) is the Granger cause of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and GDP is the Granger cause of the EC. In sum, we find some evidence of bidirectional GC between the EC and the GDP. |
| Keywords: | Economic Growth; Electricity Consumption; MS-VAR; MS-Granger Causality |
| JEL: | C0 N7 |
| Date: | 2012–01–29 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:40515&r=sea |