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on South East Asia |
| By: | Lili Yan Ing (Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)); Olivier Cadot; Janine Walz |
| Abstract: | The growing literature on trade has proven that transparency has positive effects on trade and investment. This is particularly important in non-tariff measures, which are often criticized for their lack of transparency and their hidden protectionism. Through a combination of off-the-shelf data and an experiment, a new index of transparency shows that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) score well compared to other developing countries. Singapore is ranked the highest among ASEAN countries and 12th in the world. The other ASEAN countries - Indonesia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Brunei Darussalam - are among the top 50 in the world. |
| Date: | 2017–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:era:wpaper:pb-2017-06&r=sea |
| By: | Mari Pangestu; Lili Yan Ing (Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)) |
| Abstract: | This brief explains the motivation behind ASEAN's integration into East Asia, the role ASEAN reforms play in the integration, as well as its future direction. If ASEAN members continue to improve trade facilitation and regulation transparency, regional integration can become a vehicle for multilateral integration, domestic reforms, and institution building. |
| Date: | 2017–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:era:wpaper:pb-2017-05&r=sea |
| By: | Robinson Sinurat (Columbia University School of Social Work) |
| Abstract: | This study investigated the impact of establishing a library on students? study motivation in Wolobetho Village, District of Ende, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The targeted students consisted of all students from three different schools in Wolobetho village: Primary School Feoria (29 students), Primary School Fungapanda (74 students), and Vocational High School 6 (39 students). To identify the effects of the intervention, the modified ten questions pre-and post-intervention student surveys were used as well as the semi-structured interviews to all students in those three schools. The six-months intervention of the new library consisted of three projects with cooperative learning activities, purposeful tasks, and learners? self-determination. Although this study was limited in duration and scope, the results had positive effects of the library on learner motivation. The study revealed that access to the library impacted high school students? positive attitude toward learning writing and primary school students? positive attitude toward learning reading. Both primary and high school students increased in motivational intensity as well as their desire to learn English. However, it was found that the students need more guidance and supervision from the teachers. The students did not have a close relationship with their teacher as a motivating factor. It also showed obstacles in implementing some after school programs for the students. Based on these findings, some pedagogical recommendations for better results are discussed and some suggestions are included for the future research. |
| Keywords: | Student Motivation, East Nusa Tenggara, After School Programs |
| JEL: | I21 Q01 I24 |
| Date: | 2017–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:5807447&r=sea |
| By: | Olivier CADOT (Faculté des hautes études commerciales - Université de Lausanne); Lili Yan ING (FERDI) |
| Abstract: | To obtain country specific estimates of ad-valorem equivalent (AVE) of Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs), we propose a a new that relies on the estimation of bilateral trade flows on two-way panels (product X importer X exporter) at the HS 2-digit level with importer, exporter and product fixed effects and interaction terms between NTM variables and full vector of country-specific characters. Our results show that AVEs for TBT measures on manufactured products, both for ASEAN countries and the sample as a whole, at 4.5 percent and 5 percent, respectively. As for SPS measures on agriculture and food products, tariff AVEsfor ASEAN countries and the sample as a whole 6.5 percent and 6.7 percent, respectively. However, it should be noted that AVEs can mean very different things depending on whether they have a counterpart in the correction of a market failure. This depends on the technical capabilities of domestic regulatory agencies. |
| Keywords: | Non-tariff measures |
| Date: | 2017–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fdi:wpaper:4017&r=sea |
| By: | Olivier CADOT (Faculté des hautes études commerciales - Université de Lausanne); Lili Yan ING (FERDI) |
| Abstract: | To obtain country specific estimates of ad-valorem equivalent (AVE) of Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs), we propose a a new that relies on the estimation of bilateral trade flows on two-way panels (product X importer X exporter) at the HS 2-digit level with importer, exporter and product fixed effects and interaction terms between NTM variables and full vector of country-specific characters. Our results show that AVEs for TBT measures on manufactured products, both for ASEAN countries and the sample as a whole, at 4.5 percent and 5 percent, respectively. As for SPS measures on agriculture and food products, tariff AVEsfor ASEAN countries and the sample as a whole 6.5 percent and 6.7 percent, respectively. However, it should be noted that AVEs can mean very different things depending on whether they have a counterpart in the correction of a market failure. This depends on the technical capabilities of domestic regulatory agencies. |
| Keywords: | Non-tariff measures |
| Date: | 2017–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fdi:wpaper:4018&r=sea |
| By: | Supaporn Voraroon (PhD.Student nursing at Mid Sweden University) |
| Abstract: | Most members of the older population in Thailand live in rural areas whiletheir children live in cities. With the joint family system separated, elderlyThai persons often have to care for themselves, and opportunities for them toget involved in community care remain limited. In response, the aim of thisstudy was to describe older persons? and their family members? experienceswith shareholding networks for the care of older people in rural Thailand.Paired interviews with five older persons and five of their family memberswere conducted, and collected data were subjected to content analysis, whichyielded results organized around two themes: older persons? outsider statusand disregard for older persons? individuality. Whereas the theme of outsiderstatus describes shortcomings in health care encounters, the theme of disregardfor individuality describes the lack of engagement of authorities and caregiversin older persons? care. In that sense, the concept of participationemerged as a framework for understanding interviewees? experiences. Givenfindings from local authorities, older individuals and their family membersshould engage in dialogue in order to support healthcare based on shared understanding. |
| Keywords: | Community Healthcare, Content Analysis, Older Persons, Participation |
| JEL: | I19 I18 I10 |
| Date: | 2017–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:5808195&r=sea |
| By: | Paolo Abarcar |
| Abstract: | This paper uses exogenous exchange rate shocks arising from the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis to distinguish between the motivations of Australian immigrants to return to their home country. |
| Keywords: | Return migration, Exchange rate, Immigrants, Australia |
| JEL: | F Z |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mpr:mprres:cfbc89b155c04d549a8e7595850e9c8e&r=sea |
| By: | Kwanjai Pataipakai (Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Ratchaburi) |
| Abstract: | The number of foreign workers in Thailand rises annually in line with continual economic growth. Furthermore, increases in the number of foreign workers in Thailand also cause a wide range of problems concerning public health such as communicable disease or hygiene for living in each area. The government recognizes the aforementioned problems and has, therefore, attempted to control the situation by having as many foreign workers register in the health system as possible. Many foreign workers also perform self-care based on their capabilities. Thus, promoting health knowledge in foreign workers benefits the public health system as a whole. Methods for promoting health knowledge should use online media capable of accessing foreign worker groups conveniently without wasting government budgets. In the area of success factors for communication, as much understanding of online health media use behaviors among foreign workers as possible must be understood to enable successful communication.This study was aimed at studying the online media use behaviors and perceived e-health literacy among foreign workers divided into three groups based on government welfare use. Data were collected in August ? September 2016. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Most of the foreign workers were found to be males (54.2%) aged 20-30 years (52.5%) who had elementary levels of education (42%) and mean/monthly income within a range of 5,001 ? 10,000 baht (84.7%). The samples had moderate online media use behaviors such as using LINE (Mean = 2.70, SD = 1.552) and Facebook (Mean = 2.65, SD = 1.587). Other online media were used at low to lowest levels. Every health data content searched via online media were at low to lowest levels. Perceived e-health literacy of foreign workers was low for every item. Foreign workers who used different types of government welfare were found to have differences in online media use, search content and perceived e-health literacy with statistical significance at .05 for every item.The findings of this study can help academics develop online health media to suit the online media use behaviors of foreign workers as well as possible to benefit national public health in the future. |
| Keywords: | eHealth Literacy , Foreigner Workers , Welfare |
| Date: | 2017–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:5808203&r=sea |
| By: | Chuleewan Praneetham (Suratthani Rajabhat University); JAREE PHROMMANA (Suratthani Rajabhat University); THANYA KADROON (Suratthani Rajabhat University); PAIBOON NUYCHAROEN (Muang Wiang Subdistrict Municipality) |
| Abstract: | The study of historical tourism: a case study of Muang Wiang Sa purposed to study community context, general situations about historical tourism, and historical tourism resources of Muang Wiang Sa, Wiang Sa district, Surat Thani province, Thailand. The method of this research was qualitative research by applying SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats). The key informants were from three groups; namely 1) executives and community leaders, 2) manufacturer and entrepreneur, and 3) representative local people in the community. The research instruments were an in-depth interview, documentaries and focus group. The findings indicated that: Muang Wiang Sa has valuable historical attractions. The existing community sages are ready to convey the knowledge to the young new generation. However, the community does not have high potential in the management of historical tourism and environmental conservation. The cooperation of the community in the management of tourism is at the high level. Basic infrastructure and facilities should be improved. The historical tourism plan should be made. Moreover, the collaboration of young generation in the community must be encouraged. |
| Keywords: | tourism, historical tourism, Muang Wiang Sa |
| JEL: | Y90 Z00 |
| Date: | 2017–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:5808125&r=sea |
| By: | Koehler, Gabriele; Mathers, Nicholas |
| Abstract: | This article explores some of the shared dimensions of fragility experienced by Myanmar and Nepal to illuminate the challenging contexts in which social protection policies and programmes have taken shape. Both countries have adopted a universalist, rights-based vision in their approaches to social protection, with social pensions and child benefits at the forefront of social protection programming. At the same time, both countries are employing incremental strategies to overcome political, social, and administrative obstacles, while demonstrating that fiscal space is available. The politics of social protection policy making are obvious, and consistent engagement by progressive social policy advocates in these countries will be necessary to seize opportunities, and to ensure continued investment in building inclusive, effective, and accountable social protection systems. |
| Keywords: | Fragility; incremental social policy; universalist social protection; special provisions; nation building; Myanmar; Nepal |
| JEL: | N0 |
| Date: | 2017–09–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:85328&r=sea |
| By: | Steven Bond-Smith (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin University); Alan S Duncan (Bankwest Curtin Economic Centre, Curtin University); Daniel Kiely (Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, Curtin Business School; Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre, Curtin Business School); Ha Trong Nguyen (Bankwest Curtin Economic Centre, Curtin University) |
| Abstract: | There has been a collective nervousness following the decline in the resources sector in Western Australia and its associated grim headlines. Agriculture has historically been an important industry for the state. With an expanding middle class in China and a rising population in South-East Asia, agribusiness has now emerged to be a much touted candidate for businesses, investors and the government looking for new sources of growth and prosperity. But among all the hubris and rhetoric there has not been any notable acceleration in the industry. Indeed by some measure it is an industry in decline. This clearly is not due to moderating demand as consumption has been high, particularly in the developing countries of Asia, and is expected to continue to rise. Might this be due to the industrial structure of the sector, technology, inefficiencies or bottlenecks? Or the response from domestic Asian economies in prioritising their own agri-food security for the future posing as a threat for WA? Or is it simply the case that the industry is looking or waiting for leadership, certainty, or policy shifts? This is the first Focus on Industry report by the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre. Following the initial Focus on Western Australia and Focus on the States reports, our researchers believe that an in-depth look at the industries that may make or break WA is in order. This report asks if WA is positioned to take advantage of the unique opportunity presented by the increasing global demand for high quality, secure food produce. In doing so, we discuss the state of play in agribusiness and where WA sits in comparison with the dominant producers, analyse the contribution of agribusiness to the WA economy, and assess our natural endowments, and innovative and productivity capabilities to meet increased global demand. The report highlights the key challenges, risks and policy issues requiring attention to ensure that WA agribusiness secures its place at the global dinner table. |
| Keywords: | Western Australia, WA economy, agriculture, horticulture, productivity and innovation, economic growth, regional economic development, |
| Date: | 2016–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ozl:bcecrs:fi01&r=sea |
| By: | Olivier Cadot; Lili Yan Ing (Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)) |
| Abstract: | ASEAN's rules of origin (ROO) have a simple and transparent structure, with a large chunk of trade flows subject to a 40% regional value content or a change of tariff classification. The econometric analysis of trade flows discovers that the average ad-valorem equivalent (AVE) of ASEAN's ROO is 3.40% across all instruments and sectors. The trade-weighted average is 2.09%. This moderate estimate is in line with the existing literature. However, we also find fairly high AVEs for some sectors including leather, textile and apparel, footwear, and automobiles. We also find that some rules appear more restrictive than others; in this regard, the Textile Rule seems to stand out as a relatively more trade-inhibiting rule than others. |
| Date: | 2017–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:era:wpaper:pb-2017-04&r=sea |
| By: | Kanibhatti Nitirojntanad (Chulalongkorn University); Chantanee Jaiwattanasawat (Chulalongkorn University) |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between corporate sustainability disclosure level and the profitability of petrochemicals and chemicals industry. The sample is selected from listed companies in the Stock Exchange of Thailand with sustainability disclosure according to Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines during the year 2013 to 2015. This study used content analysis to evaluate the sustainability disclosure in sustainability reports, annual reports and annual registration statements according to 91 indicators of GRI G4 related to economic, environmental, and social performance. The study shows that the sustainability disclosure level of companies in petrochemicals and chemicals industry have been relatively low but slightly improved over time. The correlation analysis results indicate no relationship between the disclosure level related to economic and profitability ratios. The disclosure levels related to environmental and social performance have been found negatively related to return on assets and return on equity but not related to net profit ratio. Since GRI G4 guidelines has been recently used in petrochemicals and chemicals industry in Thailand, future study may need to examine long-term value of sustainability disclosure. |
| Keywords: | sustainability, economic, environmental, social performance, profitability, GRI |
| JEL: | M14 M49 |
| Date: | 2017–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:5808218&r=sea |
| By: | Abdelaaziz Aït Ali; Yassine Msadfa |
| Abstract: | The aim of this work is to contribute to the empirical literature on employment-GDP elasticities in four main ways. First, it provides a set of employment-GDP elasticities for a sample of emerging and developing economies, including 11 sub-Saharan countries, based on the GGDC 10-sectors database. Second, it assesses the extent to which manufacturing activities are inclusive compared to the rest of the economy, in terms of employment creation. Third, it explores the determinants of cross-country variations in employment elasticities, both on overall and manufacturing levels, focusing in particular on the role played by structural, institutional and macroeconomic variables. Fourth, the present paper attempts to measure how different the manufacturing elasticity responsiveness is to the same set of explanatory variables, compared to the overall employment elasticity. The key results of the paper can be summarized as follows: (i) Overall point estimates of elasticities typically fall in the 0–1 range, with the majority of them ranging between 0.4 and 0.7. (ii) Elasticities vary considerably across countries and sectors, with manufacturing elasticity outperforming the rest of the economy in low-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa, while it’s below average in Latin American and Asian economies. (iii) Structural policies aimed at increasing labor market flexibility and accelerating the process of structural transformation have the same significant and positive impact on both overall and manufacturing employment elasticities. (iv) Macroeconomic policies aimed at reducing macroeconomic volatility have a significant and positive impact on manufacturing elasticity rather than the rest of the economy. We attribute that to the tradability characteristic of manufacturing products that exert pressure over the competitiveness of the domestic fabric and thus the scale of growth translation into employment. (v) Manufacturing activities tend to be more labor-intensive than the rest of the economy when agriculture employment is higher, suggesting that the “stock of unskilled labor in agriculture” feed growth in manufacturing more than the rest of the economy; (vi) The rule of law is a crucial determinant of how much growth is translated into employment. However, the sign of the coefficient is not consistent with the prevailing intuition. Countries with a better governance framework witness a lower elasticity and vice-versa. We argued that rule of law could be capturing the effect of the informal sector, which may allow more flexibility within labor markets. This channel seems to be effective in the manufacturing activities. (vii) Finally, it seems that elasticity at lower growth rates is bigger than elasticity at higher rates, even for the rest of the economy. However, the scale effect in the overall economy is lower than manufacturing. This could be explained by the possible scale economies in the manufacturing sector that outperform the rest of the economy. The automatization process and the substitution effect is more likely to occur in manufacturing than in services, especially considering that the above analysis has been conducted mainly over developing economies where services do not witness high productivity levels and low levels of cost-cuts. |
| Date: | 2017–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ocp:rpaper:rp-1703&r=sea |
| By: | Olivier Cadot; Ernawati Munadi; Lili Yan Ing (Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)) |
| Abstract: | Dealing with NTMs as if dealing with a trade tool like tariffs is an unproper approach, as NTMs could play a role of check and balance for quality of goods. To improve NTMs, efforts should be packaged as part of government regulation reform. Two main areas to work on are transparency through collective and uniform data collection as well as setting up an institution for better coordination and more objective evaluation of NTMs. |
| Date: | 2017–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:era:wpaper:pb-2017-03&r=sea |
| By: | Pérez Caldentey, Esteban; Cruz Luzuriaga, Manuel |
| Abstract: | Flow-of-funds accounting permit to monitor the financial sector in terms of flows and stocks and to analyze its relationship with the real sector. These show inter-sectoral financial flows, capture balance sheet positions and all financial transactions by instrument, type and economic sector. In this paper we explain the methodology for the construction of flow-of-funds accounts and we exemplify their use for two source cases of study: the Mexican Crisis (1994-1995) and the Asian Crisis (1997-1998). Using similar sources of data, the same methodology and approach for the construction of all the flow-of-funds matrices allow comparisons among countries relating to the impact, manifestations of these crisis episodes and policy reactions to confront their effects. The use of homogeneous data and methodology also permits to trace contagion effects between countries. |
| Keywords: | CONDICIONES ECONOMICAS, DESARROLLO ECONOMICO, EVALUACION, CONTABILIDAD DE LA CORRIENTE DE FONDOS, ESTUDIOS DE CASOS, CRISIS ECONOMICA, INDICADORES ECONOMICOS, ECONOMIC CONDITIONS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, EVALUATION, FLOW OF FUNDS ACCOUNTING, CASE STUDIES, ECONOMIC CRISIS, ECONOMIC INDICATORS |
| Date: | 2017–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ecr:col035:42362&r=sea |
| By: | Goodhart, Charles; Pradhan, Manoj |
| Abstract: | Between the 1980s and the 2000s, the largest ever positive labour supply shock occurred, resulting from demographic trends and from the inclusion of China and eastern Europe into the World Trade Organization. This led to a shift in manufacturing to Asia, especially China; a stagnation in real wages; a collapse in the power of private sector trade unions; increasing inequality within countries, but less inequality between countries; deflationary pressures; and falling interest rates. This shock is now reversing. As the world ages, real interest rates will rise, inflation and wage growth will pick up and inequality will fall. What is the biggest challenge to our thesis? The hardest prior trend to reverse will be that of low interest rates, which have resulted in a huge and persistent debt overhang, apart from some deleveraging in advanced economy banks. Future problems may now intensify as the demographic structure worsens, growth slows, and there is little stomach for major inflation. Are we in a trap where the debt overhang enforces continuing low interest rates, and those low interest rates encourage yet more debt finance? There is no silver bullet, but we recommend policy measures to switch from debt to equity finance. |
| Keywords: | demography; global labor supply; ageing; real interest rates; inequality |
| JEL: | N0 |
| Date: | 2017–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:84208&r=sea |
| By: | Williams, John C. (Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco) |
| Abstract: | Presentation to the 2017 Asia Economic Policy Conference: Monetary Policy Challenges in a Changing Global Environment San Francisco, California, John C. Williams, President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, November 16, 2017 |
| Date: | 2017–11–16 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fip:fedfsp:184&r=sea |
| By: | Gregor Pfajfar (Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana); Agnieszka Ma?ecka (University of Economics in Katowice) |
| Abstract: | The purpose of the paper is to assess how dynamic nature of culture impacts negotiation strategies. This paper focuses on changing cultural values in relationship management in the context of negotiations. We illustrate the cross-cultural differences and commonalities by applying multiple case study method. We have found that negotiations in China are contextually and geographically based and can differ substantially in terms of the location within China, industry, business partner characteristics, and nevertheless guanxi (i.e. relationships, acquaintances, etc.) you and your partner possess. Most of the interviewees claim that negotiations in China are very much connected with the hierarchy, which is usually tight to the age of the counterpart. The most important and the biggest decisions are always made only by the firm owner, if the firm is private, or the highest ranked businessman. It is important to know, that in formal business meetings Asians seldom show any emotions with the face gestures. More importantly, their negotiation strategies are changing in time, which confirms the dynamic nature of culture. The added value of this paper is putting negotiation strategies in the context of a new yin-yang school of culture. Opposed to Chinese-Western relationship studies that are dominating the negotiation literature, we offer insights to Chinese-Eastern Europe relationships with a common cultural history. In sum, paper draws on literature from two disciplines, international trade and business negotiations, extending the scope of research contribution. |
| Keywords: | negotiation strategies, Yin-Yang conceptualization of culture, guanxi, case studies. |
| JEL: | F51 M16 |
| Date: | 2017–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sek:iacpro:5808295&r=sea |