nep-sea New Economics Papers
on South East Asia
Issue of 2017‒02‒26
25 papers chosen by
Kavita Iyengar
Asian Development Bank
  1. Increasing Women's Parliamentary Representation in Asia and the Pacific: The Indonesian Experience By Ben Hillman
  2. Mitigating Tensions over Land Conversion in Papua, Indonesia By Mochamad Indrawan, Julian Caldecott and Ermayanti
  3. A spatial regression approach to FDI in Vietnam: province-level evidence By Esiyok, Bulent; Ugur, Mehmet
  4. Asymmetric tariff pass-through to trade prices By Hayakawa, Kazunobu
  5. Exchange Rate and Utilization of Free Trade Agreements: Focus on rules of origin By HAYAKAWA Kazunobu; Han-Sung KIM; YOSHIMI Taiyo
  6. Assessing the Efficiency Costs of Vietnam's ‘Missing’ Small and Medium Sized Enterprises: A Panel Data Investigation By Trung Dang Le and Paul Shaffer
  7. Why a National Peace Agreement Is Important for Myanmar By Trevor Wilson
  8. Non-tariff Measures in ASEAN: A Simple Proposal By Lili Yan ING; Olivier CADOT; Shujiro URATA; Rizqy ANANDHIKA
  9. Non-tariff Measures in ASEAN: A Simple Proposal By Lili Yan ING; Olivier CADOT; Rizqy ANANDHIKA; Shujiro URATA
  10. Child Protection and Maltreatment in the Philippines: A Systematic Review of the Literature By Steven Roche
  11. Analysis Of Factors Affecting the Electricity Supply in Indonesia By Nababan, Tongam Sihol
  12. Cost-sharing in health insurance and its impact in a developing country– Evidence from a quasi-natural experiment Abstract: Though the impact of cost-sharing on health care demand is well documented in developed countries, evidence from developing countries is rare. This paper’s contribution is to analyse the impact of increasing coinsurance in a developing nation -Vietnam – by exploiting a quasi-natural experiment in that country. In 2007, the Vietnam government reintroduced a 20 percent coinsurance for individuals who hold voluntary health insurance policies. As individuals with compulsory health insurance were exempt from this re-imposition of coinsurance, this policy change may be regarded as a quasi-natural experiment. To exploit this change, we use a difference-in-difference approach to examine whether the increase in coinsurance effectively reduced the demand for health care services among those affected. We find it has no statistically significant effect on the quantity of health care demanded. We however find that those who were under 18 or in low income households reduced their health care use after the increase in coinsurance. These findings hold – at least in the short-run, with a variety of different outcomes and estimators. By Ha Trong Nguyen; Luke B Connelly
  13. Measuring the Effects of Commodity Price Shocks on Asian Economies By INOUE Tomoo; OKIMOTO Tatsuyoshi
  14. Feminization of entrepreneurship in developing countries By Molina, Jose Alberto; Ortega, Raquel; Velilla, Jorge
  15. An Alternative Specification for Technical Efficiency Effects in a Stochastic Frontier Production Function By Satya Paul; Sriram Shanker
  16. Controlling Irregular Migration in the Asia-Pacific: Is Australia Acting against its Own Interests? By Emma Larking
  17. Transparency in Non-Tariff Measures : An International Comparison By Lili Yan ING; Janine WALZ; Olivier CADOT
  18. Transparency in Non-Tariff Measures : An International Comparison By Lili Yan ING; Olivier CADOT; Janine WALZ
  19. Financing approaches for tourism SMEs and entrepreneurs By OECD
  20. A review of the policy framework for tourism marketing and promotion By OECD
  21. Closing the Cycle: How South Australia and Asia Can Benefit from Re-inventing Used Nuclear Fuel Management By Ben P. Heard, Barry W. Brook
  22. Measuring Tax Treaty Negotiation Outcomes: the ActionAid Tax Treaties Dataset By Hearson, Martin
  23. Relation between regional uncertainty spillovers in the global banking system By Sachapon Tungsong; Fabio Caccioli; Tomaso Aste
  24. Agriculture and Food Global Value Chains in Sub-Saharan Africa: Does bilateral trade policy impact on backward and forward participation? By Jean Baliè; Davide Del Prete; Emiliano Magrini; Pierluigi Montalbano; Silvia Nenci
  25. Poverty, employment and inequality in the SDGs: Heterodox discourse, orthodox policies? By Luebker, M.
  1. By: Ben Hillman
    Abstract: In recent years, governments across Asia and the Pacific have adopted gender quotas to increase women's representation in parliament. In 2003, Indonesia introduced a 30% gender quota that, over two election cycles, contributed to an increase in women's share of seats in the national parliament from 9 per cent to 18 per cent. In the most recent (2014) elections, despite stronger enforcement of the quota provisions, expansive civil society-led efforts to support women candidates and favourable press coverage, the percentage of women elected to the national parliament declined. This article examines the evolving political context in which the gender quota operates to argue that common support programs designed to maximize the gender quota's impact on women's representation are insufficiently targeted at major obstacles. Findings will be of interest to lawmakers and public sector professionals working to advance gender equity and to students of democratization, representation and gender politics.
    Keywords: women, democracy, parliament, Asia Pacific, gender quota, Indonesia
    Date: 2017–02–16
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:een:appswp:201703&r=sea
  2. By: Mochamad Indrawan, Julian Caldecott and Ermayanti
    Abstract: In the south of the biodiversity-rich Indonesian province of Papua, a large agricultural program is planned for the districts around Merauke, with the ostensible aim of helping to meet Indonesia's food requirements. Questions arise over the scheme's compliance with national laws and sustainability policies, as well as its likely impacts on indigenous livelihoods and biodiversity. It is also contrary to the recent low-carbon development priorities of the provincial and national governments. For the initiative to be consistent with law and policy, therefore, considerably improved planning effort would be needed, taking into account many factors that have so far been ignored.
    Keywords: Papua, sustainable development, low carbon, policy conversion
    Date: 2017–02–16
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:een:appswp:201710&r=sea
  3. By: Esiyok, Bulent; Ugur, Mehmet
    Abstract: Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into Vietnam have increased significantly in recent years and are distributed unequally between provinces. This paper aims to investigate the locational determinants of FDI in 62 Vietnamese provinces and whether spatial dependence is a significant factor that both researchers and policy-makers should take into account. We report that province-specific percapita income, secondary education enrolment, labor costs, openness to trade, and domestic investment affect FDI directly within the province itself and have indirect effects on FDI in neighboring provinces. The direct and indirect effects coexist with spill over effects and spatial dependence between provinces. Our findings indicate that FDI in Vietnam reflects a combination of complex vertical and export platform motivations on the part of foreign investors; and an agglomeration dynamics that may perpetuate the existing regional disparities in the distribution of FDI capital between provinces.
    Keywords: Foreign direct investment; spatial dependence; agglomeration; Vietnam
    Date: 2015–11–23
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gpe:wpaper:14158&r=sea
  4. By: Hayakawa, Kazunobu
    Abstract: This paper examines asymmetry in tariff pass-through, that is, how import prices react differently to the increase and decrease in most favored nation (MFN) rates. For this, we analyze Indonesia's imports because Indonesia not only reduced MFN rates for a significant number of products but also raised those rates for a large number of other products in 2010. The analysis results indicate asymmetric tariff pass-through: trade prices decrease when MFN rates decline but do not change when these rates rise. Furthermore, examining the effects of changes in MFN rates on product quality and quality-adjusted prices separately, we find that a decrease in trade prices when MFN rates decline is led by a reduction in (average) product quality. In addition, we find that controlling for the change in ad valorem equivalent rates, a change in tariffs from ad valorem form to specific form does not have any additional impact on import prices.
    Keywords: International trade, Imports, Prices, Tariff pass-through, Trade prices, Indonesia
    JEL: F15 F53
    Date: 2017–02
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:jet:dpaper:dpaper631&r=sea
  5. By: HAYAKAWA Kazunobu; Han-Sung KIM; YOSHIMI Taiyo
    Abstract: This paper investigates how exchange rates affect the utilization of a free trade agreement (FTA) scheme considering the importance of rules of origin (RoOs). Exchange rates affect exporters' compliance with RoOs by changing the so-called value-added ratio, which is defined as [1 - (Non-originating input price / Export product price)]. We present theoretical underpinnings on this potential linkage with a model of pricing-to-market and provide an empirical examination using rich tariff-line-level data on the utilization of FTA schemes in Korea's imports from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. The theoretical framework proposes that a depreciation of exporters' currency against importers' currency enhances FTA utilization by improving the value-added ratio, and such effects are stronger for products with higher demand elasticity. We also show strong empirical support for our theoretical predictions.
    Date: 2017–01
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eti:dpaper:17007&r=sea
  6. By: Trung Dang Le and Paul Shaffer
    Abstract: This article investigates whether there are efficiency costs associated with the pronounced rightward skew in the firm size distribution, or Vietnam's ‘missing small and medium size enterprise (SMEs)’, drawing on panel data analysis of firm growth and survival. Specifically, it examines if factor allocation biases with respect to credit, preferable treatment of state owned enterprises, barriers to entry into export markets and economies of scale are important determinants of growth rates and survival probabilities of small, medium and large-sized firms. Overall, findings on the earlier variables do not support the view that there are large efficiency costs associated with Vietnam's ‘missing SMEs’. Together with other results in the literature with do not find significant equity costs associated with Vietnam's ‘missing SMES’, these findings raise questions about policy initiatives in support of SMEs in Vietnam, such as the National SME Support program, in particular, through improved access to credit.
    Keywords: firm survival, firm growth, SMEs, panell data, Vietnam
    Date: 2017–02–16
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:een:appswp:201704&r=sea
  7. By: Trevor Wilson
    Abstract: As Myanmar readies itself for the second national conference on its ‘new’ peace process in February 2017, an update on outstanding issues with Myanmar's peace process may be timely. It is hardly surprising that, despite the months of preparation for the second Panglong Conference in August or September 2016, there was little or no change in the realities on the ground in Myanmar during the year: armed incidents between the Burmese military and armed ethnic groups continued in the days leading up to that conference, whether or not official ceasefires had been signed; armed groups that had sparred with each other regularly continued to do so; and in some cases, clashes occurred between groups that had not actually fought each other for many years.
    Keywords: peace process, Myanmar, peace negotiation
    Date: 2017–02–16
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:een:appswp:201709&r=sea
  8. By: Lili Yan ING (FERDI); Olivier CADOT (Faculté des hautes études commerciales - Université de Lausanne); Shujiro URATA (FERDI); Rizqy ANANDHIKA (FERDI)
    Abstract: IntroductionAfter close to 70 years of trade liberalization, a series of recent events suggests that the tide may well be turning. International trade as a proportion of global gross domestic product (GDP) has stopped growing in the last decade, in what Constantinescu et al. (2015) dub the ‘Great Trade Slowdown’. Momentum for trade liberalization at the multilateral level has stumbled on the Doha round’s failure, with limited hopes for revival. Even regional trade agreements, sometimes seen as alternatives to multilateral liberalization, are under heavy attack by politicians of all strides in the United States, traditionally the bulwark of free trade. Last but not least, while the 2008–2009 global financial crisis did not lead to the explosion of protectionism feared by many, the use of temporary trade measures by emerging countries has been markedly rising (Didier et al., 2016). .../...
    Date: 2016–12
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fdi:wpaper:3435&r=sea
  9. By: Lili Yan ING (FERDI); Olivier CADOT (Faculté des hautes études commerciales - Université de Lausanne); Rizqy ANANDHIKA (FERDI); Shujiro URATA (FERDI)
    Abstract: IntroductionAfter close to 70 years of trade liberalization, a series of recent events suggests that the tide may well be turning. International trade as a proportion of global gross domestic product (GDP) has stopped growing in the last decade, in what Constantinescu et al. (2015) dub the ‘Great Trade Slowdown’. Momentum for trade liberalization at the multilateral level has stumbled on the Doha round’s failure, with limited hopes for revival. Even regional trade agreements, sometimes seen as alternatives to multilateral liberalization, are under heavy attack by politicians of all strides in the United States, traditionally the bulwark of free trade. Last but not least, while the 2008–2009 global financial crisis did not lead to the explosion of protectionism feared by many, the use of temporary trade measures by emerging countries has been markedly rising (Didier et al., 2016). .../...
    Date: 2016–12
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fdi:wpaper:3434&r=sea
  10. By: Steven Roche
    Abstract: To gain a better understanding of the dimensions, characteristics and phenomenon of child maltreatment and its policy responses in the Philippines, this article provides a systematic review of the peer reviewed literature. This review provides a summary and analysis of the core child maltreatment issues in the Philippines and examines child protection policy responses. It takes a systematic approach, identifying 31 peer reviewed articles from a diverse range of scholarship that met its criteria, and subjected to a quality appraisal tool. Its findings provide important details about child maltreatment and child protection arrangements in the Philippines. It recommends further research into policy and programmatic approaches to child maltreatment, a greater focus on the social, cultural and structural influences on child maltreatment, and investigation into child maltreatment, particularly child sexual abuse, in contexts outside of the home, such as in institutions.
    Keywords: Philippines, children, child abuse, child protection, child maltreatment, literature review
    Date: 2017–02–16
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:een:appswp:201707&r=sea
  11. By: Nababan, Tongam Sihol
    Abstract: In Indonesia, the activities of supplying of electricity energy or generating of electricity power is still dominated by PT PLN (Persero). The supply of electricity has not been able to meet the demand of electricity by PT PLN. The electricity supply can be affected by amount of generation units, installed capacity, power capacity, investment, energy produced, fuel consumption, unit price of fuel, energy losses, the length of transmission and distribution network, interruption of distribution network, and captive power. The aim of this study is to analyze the factors affecting on the supply of electricity in Indonesia. Based on the characteristics of the data available on each units of PT PLN or provinces, the data used in this study is panel data in period of year 2009 - 2014. Based on the results of Chow Test and Hausman Test, to analyze the pooled data it is better by using Fixed Effect Model. The result of estimation shows that the factors affecting the supply of electricity in Indonesia are the price (tariff) of electricity, the price of fuel, the length of transmission lines, the energy losses. The the price (tariff) of electricity affects positively and significantly (α = 0.01) and elastic on the supply of electriciy. The price of fuel, the length of transmission lines and the energy losses affect negatively and significantly (α = 0.01) and inelastic on the supply of electriciy. While the number of distribution interruption has no significant effect on the supply of electriciy. Statistically, all dummy variables of individuals (PLN operational unit/province) and time (year 2009 – 2014) affect significantly (α = 0.01) on the supply of electriciy. It means that the patterns of electricity supply of PLN operational units and time patterns of electricity supply are different from the benchmarks. It is hoped that PT PLN focusing attention on tariff policy, to diversify the input of power generating units, to optimize the length of transmission lines, and also to minimize the electricity energy losses.
    Keywords: electricity, energy losses, pooled data, price (tariff), transmission and distribution
    JEL: C4 C5 D2
    Date: 2016–04–30
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:76910&r=sea
  12. By: Ha Trong Nguyen (Bankwest Curtin Economic Centre, Curtin University); Luke B Connelly (The University of Queensland)
    Keywords: Health insurance, Difference-in-difference, Cost-sharing, Developing country, Vietnam.
    JEL: G22 I11 I18
    Date: 2017–02
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ozl:bcecwp:wp1702&r=sea
  13. By: INOUE Tomoo; OKIMOTO Tatsuyoshi
    Abstract: Commodity prices have become volatile over the past two decades, and their recent sharp decline has decreased the consumer price index (CPI) inflation rates for most of the economies. While many Asian economies have benefited from low international oil and food prices, the commodity exporters have suffered. Thus, the negative impact on production through the decline of producer prices has attracted considerable attention. Given this situation, policymakers have become increasingly concerned about measuring the magnitude of oil and food price shock diffusion on a nation's various inflationary indicators. This study investigates this problem by using a global vector autoregressive (GVAR) model. Specifically, we examine the impact of a one-time hike in oil and food prices on the general price levels and production for nine Asian countries and 13 other countries, including the United States and the Eurozone. We also analyze the differences of shock propagations in the pre- and post-GFC periods. Results indicate that the increased integration and dependence on exports intensified the Asian region's vulnerability to external shocks.
    Date: 2017–02
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eti:dpaper:17009&r=sea
  14. By: Molina, Jose Alberto; Ortega, Raquel; Velilla, Jorge
    Abstract: We analyze whether male or female individuals have a higher probability of becoming entrepreneurs in developing regions (Africa, Asia, South America), controlling by individuals’ entrepreneurial environment and countries’ macroeconomic context. Using the GEM data, we avoid heterogeneity and the potential confounding problems arising from the definition of entrepreneurship. We find that women tend to become entrepreneurs more often than men in South America and Africa, highlighting the importance of entrepreneurship as a survival labor choice. No gender gaps in entrepreneurial participation are found in Asia.
    Keywords: Entrepreneurship; Gender; Feminist; Developing countries
    JEL: J16 L26 O10 O57
    Date: 2017–02–20
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:76981&r=sea
  15. By: Satya Paul; Sriram Shanker
    Abstract: This paper proposes an alternative specification for technical efficiency effects in a stochastic production frontier model. The proposed specification is distribution free and thus eschews one-sided error term present in almost all the existing inefficiency effects models. The efficiency effects are represented by the standard normal cumulative distribution function of exogenous variables which ensures the efficiency scores to lie in a unit interval. An empirical exercise based on widely used Philippines rice farming data set illustrates the simplicity and usefulness of the proposed model.
    Keywords: Non-linear least squares; Standard normal cumulative distribution function; Technical efficiency
    JEL: C51 D24 Q12
    Date: 2017–02
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:een:crwfrp:1703&r=sea
  16. By: Emma Larking
    Abstract: Australia invests heavily throughout the Asia-Pacific region in mechanisms to control irregular people movements. Information has been leaked about conditions in the notorious detention centres on Nauru and Manus Island, and aspects of the Bali Process are well known and publicised, but the nature and extent of much of Australia's investment have not been widely aired or scrutinised. This article canvasses the range of Australia's engagement in irregular migration controls and discusses how policies initiated by it have influenced policies developed by other countries. The article considers the implications of Australia's irregular migration control efforts in the context of other forms of regional engagement. It points to inconsistency between Australia's irregular migration regime and other law and justice programs. It also considers the impact of the irregular migration regime on regional relationships and stability, and for the rule of law.
    Keywords: irregular migration control, Asia-Pacific, Australian policy, regional relationships, rule of law
    Date: 2017–02–16
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:een:appswp:201706&r=sea
  17. By: Lili Yan ING (FERDI); Janine WALZ (FERDI); Olivier CADOT (Faculté des hautes études commerciales - Université de Lausanne)
    Abstract: We construct an index of NTM transparency based on notifications to the WTO under the SPS and TBT agreements, the existence of a trade portal giving ready access to trade-relevant regulations, the existence of NTM data collected under the MAST classification, and the results of an experiment conducted between 2015 and 2016 where we asked for specific regulations concerning the import of a particular product on behalf of a private company. The resulting country ranking shows that OECD countries are, by and large, the most transparent, but also shows that ASEAN countries score well compared to other developing countries. Keywords: International trade, Non-tariff measures, transparency, governance, index, ranking
    Keywords: International trade, Non-tariff measures, transparency, governance, index, ranking
    JEL: F12 F13 F14 F15 F6
    Date: 2016–12
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fdi:wpaper:3428&r=sea
  18. By: Lili Yan ING (FERDI); Olivier CADOT (Faculté des hautes études commerciales - Université de Lausanne); Janine WALZ (FERDI)
    Abstract: We construct an index of NTM transparency based on notifications to the WTO under the SPS and TBT agreements, the existence of a trade portal giving ready access to trade-relevant regulations, the existence of NTM data collected under the MAST classification, and the results of an experiment conducted between 2015 and 2016 where we asked for specific regulations concerning the import of a particular product on behalf of a private company. The resulting country ranking shows that OECD countries are, by and large, the most transparent, but also shows that ASEAN countries score well compared to other developing countries. Keywords: International trade, Non-tariff measures, transparency, governance, index, ranking
    Keywords: International trade, Non-tariff measures, transparency, governance, index, ranking
    JEL: F12 F13 F14 F15 F6
    Date: 2016–12
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fdi:wpaper:3431&r=sea
  19. By: OECD
    Abstract: Access to financing is vital to promote entrepreneurship and SME development and build an innovative, competitive and sustainable tourism sector. This report examines mechanisms to improve access to finance for tourism SMEs and entrepreneurs at each stage of the business lifecycle, with a particular emphasis on small and micro-enterprises. It discusses key issues and policy considerations to help improve tourism SME financing conditions, broaden the range of financing instruments available and support uptake of available financing instruments. Case studies of financing approaches in a number of countries support the policy discussion and provide technical information. The paper captures the perspectives of policy makers, financing agencies and institutions, and the tourism industry, and has benefitted from significant contributions and inputs from 21 countries: Austria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, Portugal, the Russian Federation, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland.
    Date: 2017–02–22
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:cfeaab:2017/3-en&r=sea
  20. By: OECD
    Abstract: The development of the visitor economy faces challenges not only from global economic conditions, reduced budgets, fluctuating exchange rates, but also deeper underlying economic and technological shifts which create further market turbulence. In response, new models for linking tourism policy, tourism marketing and product development, including digital strategies are being explored in a number of countries. The report examines some of the current challenges and opportunities for public authorities responsible for the marketing and promotion of tourism, including evolving funding sources, partnership opportunities, promotion strategies, and governance arrangements. The report benefitted from significant contributions from 16 countries: Australia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Country case studies provide examples of policy and business initiatives to address current and emerging challenges.
    Date: 2017–02–22
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:cfeaab:2017/1-en&r=sea
  21. By: Ben P. Heard, Barry W. Brook
    Abstract: A large and growing market exists for the management of used nuclear fuel. Urgent need for service lies in Asia, also the region of the fastest growth in fossil fuel consumption. A logical potential provider of this service is acknowledged to be Australia. We describe and assess a service combining approved multinational storage with an advanced fuel reconditioning facility and commercialisation of advanced nuclear reactor technologies. We estimate that this project has the potential to deliver a net present value of (2015) AU$30.9 billion. This economic finding compares favourably with recent assessment based on deep geological repository. Providing service for used nuclear fuel and commercialisation of next generation nuclear technology would catalyse the expansion of nuclear technology for energy requirements across Asia and beyond, aiding efforts to combat climate change. Pathways based on leveraging advanced nuclear technologies are therefore worthy of consideration in the development of policy in this area.
    Keywords: used nuclear fuel, integral fast reactor, PRISM, pyroprocessing, technology, climate change
    Date: 2017–02–16
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:een:appswp:201712&r=sea
  22. By: Hearson, Martin
    Abstract: capital gains tax; corporation tax; double taxation agreement; foreign direct investment; sub-Saharan Africa; Asia; tax treaty; withholding tax.
    Keywords: Economic Development,
    Date: 2016
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:idq:ictduk:11206&r=sea
  23. By: Sachapon Tungsong; Fabio Caccioli; Tomaso Aste
    Abstract: We report on time-varying network connectedness within three banking systems: North America, the EU, and ASEAN. The original method by Diebold and Yilmaz is improved by using exponentially weighted daily returns and ridge regularization on vector autoregression (VAR) and forecast error variance decomposition (FEVD). We compute the total network connectedness for each of the three banking systems, which quantifies regional uncertainty. Results over rolling windows of 300 days during the period between 2005 and 2015 reveal changing uncertainty patterns which are similar across regions, with common peaks associated with identifiable exogenous events. Lead-lag relationships among changes of total network connectedness of the three systems, quantified by transfer entropy, reveal that uncertainties in the three regional systems are significantly causally related, with the North American system having the largest influence on EU and ASEAN.
    Date: 2017–02
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:1702.05944&r=sea
  24. By: Jean Baliè (FAO); Davide Del Prete (IMT School for advanced studies; FAO); Emiliano Magrini (FAO); Pierluigi Montalbano (Sapienza University; University of Sussex); Silvia Nenci (University of Roma 3)
    Abstract: The most recent literature on international trade highlights the key role of global value chains (GVCs) in structural transformation, development and growth. The common perception is that Africa, unlike most Latin American and Asian countries, has neither been able to intercept the main changes in trade patterns nor enter massively into global production networks. This work provides some insight into this topic. Using the EORA Input-Output Tables, we analyze whether bilateral import tariffs and shifts in trade regimes associated with regional trade agreements affect the backward participation (i.e., the use of foreign inputs for exports) and forward participation (i.e., the use of domestic intermediates in third country exports) of the SSA countries’ agriculture and food GVCs. Our results show that, despite their low world trade shares, GVC participation in SSA economies is increasing over time, mainly upstream as suppliers of unprocessed inputs. Furthermore, we show that the value added demand for SSA agricultural products primarily originates from the EU and emerging countries rather than from regional partners. Finally, by making use of a “gravity-like†identification strategy, we also find evidence that bilateral trade protection significantly affects GVC backward and forward participation in agriculture and food. These results call for a refinement of trade policy priorities in SSA.
    Keywords: global value chains, agro-food activities, multi-region input-output tables, bilateral trade policies, gravity model, Sub-Saharan Africa
    JEL: F15 L23 O11 O55 Q17
    Date: 2017–02
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ial:wpaper:3/2017&r=sea
  25. By: Luebker, M.
    Abstract: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) put much emphasis on the employment and inequality, a noteworthy shift from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and their focus on poverty eradication. To achieve ‘Sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth’, SDG Goal 8 contains targets on productivity-enhancing policies, employment and decent work, and makes reference to three out of the four fundamental labour rights. While these are necessary ingredients for a sustained increase in living standards and important elements of heterodox accounts of development, they are not sufficient conditions to create equitable growth. Drawing on examples from Asia, the paper makes this argument by addressing three orthodox conjectures: that workers benefit from productivity growth through higher wages; that factor shares in national income are roughly constant; and that policy interventions such as minimum wages are bound to fail. The paper concludes with two policy implications: (1) Countries need to adopt fiscal, wage and social protection policies that reduce inequalities of outcome and achieve faster income growth for the poorest – elements which can be found in Goal 10. (2) Effective labour markets governance needs to include the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining, the only fundamental labour right not explicitly mentioned in the SDGs.
    Keywords: SDGs, poverty, productivity, labour market institutions, income inequality, functional distribution of incomes
    JEL: D31 D33 I30 J31 J83
    Date: 2017–02–16
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ems:euriss:97781&r=sea
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