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on South East Asia |
| By: | Quimba, Francis Mark A.; Moreno, Neil Irwin S. |
| Abstract: | Rapid digitalization has become integral to the global economy, connecting markets and introducing new modes of production and trade. With a relatively open digital environment, the Philippines is well-positioned for digital trade integration with its Asia-Pacific neighbors. However, various measures must be taken to prepare for regional integration, some of which are considered low-hanging fruits that the government can quickly adopt. This paper examines the effects of these low-hanging fruits on the bilateral trade of digitally deliverable services. The authors conducted a two-stage regression of the gravity model of trade using data from various sources, allowing for the estimation of country-specific characteristics in the presence of three-way fixed effects. The results reveal that the low-hanging fruits generate heterogeneous effects on digital services trade. |
| Keywords: | digital services trade;WTO GPA;local loop unbundling;data retention policy;copyright enforcement;regional integration; |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:pjdevt:pjd_2023_vol__47_no__2c&r=sea |
| By: | Maxime TERRIEUX |
| Abstract: | Following three decades of strong growth (7% on average) which enabled the country to eradicate extreme poverty and reach middle-income status, Vietnam continues to offer highly attractive prospects. Socio-political stability, a cautious policy mix, continually high economic growth, and the size of the domestic market of 100 million inhabitants are all major assets. Vietnam also benefits from a limited public debt ratio. Finally, the economy will continue to build on its strong integration into international trade, where recent upheavals (reconfiguration of value chains related to the Covid-19 crisis and the US-China trade war) have largely benefited Vietnam. |
| Keywords: | Vietnam |
| JEL: | E |
| Date: | 2024–01–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:avg:wpaper:en16154&r=sea |
| By: | Ulep, Valerie Gilbert T.; Uy, Jhanna; Lechuga, Julienne |
| Abstract: | Given the persistently high under-5 stunting prevalence in the Philippines, it is important to look at how the country has invested in nutrition interventions to inform priorities for future resource mobilization. Measuring and tracking nutrition financing is critical for transparency, accountability, improving resource mobilization, and bolstering advocacy activities. This review analyzes the level of public spending for nutrition of 19 national government agencies (NGAs) in the Philippines for 2017–2019, including an analysis of allocation patterns across and within sectors. This paper utilizes the methodology of the Scaling Up for Nutrition Movement to measure public spending on nutrition in select NGAs. To improve the coherence of public expenditures for nutrition, it is recommended to increase funding for enabling interventions, prioritize investments in the first 1, 000 days of a child’s life, especially interventions at home that directly impact child dietary intake, and conduct further implementation research to understand how best to deliver interventions at home. |
| Keywords: | nutrition;public expenditure review;Philippines |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:rpseri:rps_2023-04&r=sea |
| By: | Jahen F. Rezki; Roes Regi Lutfi; Yoshua Caesar Justinus (Institute for Economic and Social Research, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Indonesia (LPEM FEB UI)) |
| Abstract: | Government policies demand an integrated approach that incorporates policy modeling, especially given the uncertainties in real-world conditions. The lack of a comprehensive approach may result in government failures or imbalances in economic sectors. In Indonesia, the state of policy is structured into government planning documents. The government also aspires to achieve a higher income country status and, at the same time, smooth energy transition with Indonesia’s climate targets being comparable with other G20 countries. However, the methods to reach these goals often follow a top-down approach and have limited interlinks across different sectors or ministries. Nonetheless, several studies indicate discrepancies between feasible actions and current targets, highlighting the need for clarity in modeling and communication. Policy modeling in Indonesia is both clustered and scattered. While there’s consistency within the "families" of models, there's a gap between different "families", creating challenges in drawing comparative insights. Therefore, there is an increased need for transparency and communication. Policy models need to be more transparent about their underlying assumptions and methodologies. This clarity would enable third-party replication and scrutiny, enhancing credibility and fostering accountability. Many alternatives of policy modeling can be used, for instance, the platform developed by Sentient Hubs (Sentient Hubs can be accessed through its website on https://www.sentient-hubs.com). Serving as an integrated policy and impact modeling platform, Sentient Hubs could bridge the current modeling gaps. Its capability to integrate various models covering economic, social and environmental aspects, and providing customizable dashboards presenting a wide range of ‘what if’ scenarios, could enable stakeholders to gain deeper insights and holistic perspectives. Achieving a comprehensive policy modeling framework in Indonesia requires collaborative efforts from various stakeholders. The use of unique new alternative platforms could play a pivotal role in bridging existing gaps, ensuring that policies are both transparent and actionable. |
| Keywords: | policy modelling — energy transition — Indonesia |
| JEL: | C69 O21 Q56 |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:lpe:wpaper:202376&r=sea |
| By: | Agnes Medinaceli (SDSN Bolivia); Lykke E. Andersen (SDSN Bolivia); Marcelo Delajara (Anker Research Institute); Richard Anker (Anker Research Institute); Martha Anker (Anker Research Institute) |
| Abstract: | This report provides updated estimates of family living expenses and living wage for Minimum Wage Region 1, Vietnam. The update for 2023 takes into account inflation and changes in payroll deductions since the original Anker living wage study carried out in November 2022 (Do, Nguyen, Anker, and Anker, 2022). |
| Keywords: | Living costs, living wages, Anker Methodology, Vietnam |
| JEL: | J30 J50 J80 |
| Date: | 2023–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iad:glliwa:230413&r=sea |
| By: | Agnes Medinaceli (SDSN Bolivia); Lykke E. Andersen (SDSN Bolivia); Marcelo Delajara (Anker Research Institute); Richard Anker (Anker Research Institute); Martha Anker (Anker Research Institute) |
| Abstract: | This report provides updated estimates of family living expenses and living wage for Minimum Wage Region 2, Vietnam. The update for 2023 takes into account inflation and changes in payroll deductions since the original Anker living wage study carried out in March 2022 (Do, Nguyen, Anker, and Anker, 2022). |
| Keywords: | Living costs, living wages, Anker Methodology, Vietnam |
| JEL: | J30 J50 J80 |
| Date: | 2023–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iad:glliwa:230415&r=sea |
| By: | Agnes Medinaceli (SDSN Bolivia); Lykke E. Andersen (SDSN Bolivia); Marcelo Delajara (Anker Research Institute); Richard Anker (Anker Research Institute); Martha Anker (Anker Research Institute) |
| Abstract: | This report provides updated estimates of family living expenses and living wage for Minimum Wage Region 4, Vietnam. The update for 2023 takes into account inflation and changes in payroll deductions since the original Anker living wage study carried out in March 2022 (Do, Nguyen, Anker, and Anker, 2022). |
| Keywords: | Living costs, living wages, Anker Methodology, Vietnam |
| JEL: | J30 J50 J80 |
| Date: | 2023–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iad:glliwa:230414&r=sea |
| By: | Ulep, Valerie Gilbert T.; Puyat, Vicente Alberto R.; Antonio, Victor Andrew A.; Flaminiano, Clarisa Joy A.; Uy, Jhana |
| Abstract: | In this paper, the authors conducted a spatiotemporal analysis of health service coverage trends and disparities from 2018 to 2021 using data from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on insurance claims, membership, and accredited facilities. The dataset was merged with auxiliary data from the Department of Health and the Philippine Statistics Authority. The study assessed PhilHealth’s performance using the Tanahashi framework for effective health service coverage, examining population coverage, service coverage, and financial risk protection. The results revealed clear disparities among subpopulations, with high membership coverage in urban areas like Laguna and Southern Leyte but low coverage in Mindanao provinces. Limited accredited facilities in provinces led to low health service accessibility. The higher admission rates in economically developed provinces suggest increased transmissibility of infectious diseases in densely populated areas. The prevalence of noncommunicable diseases, particularly in Mindanao, indicates nationwide pervasiveness across different socioeconomic conditions. |
| Keywords: | universal health care;health service coverage;spatiotemporal analysis |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:pjdevt:pjd_2023_vol__47_no__2d&r=sea |
| By: | Agnes Medinaceli (SDSN Bolivia); Lykke E. Andersen (SDSN Bolivia); Marcelo Delajara (Anker Research Institute); Richard Anker (Anker Research Institute); Martha Anker (Anker Research Institute) |
| Abstract: | This report provides updated estimates of family living expenses and living wage for Minimum Wage Region 3, Vietnam. The update for 2023 takes into account inflation and changes in payroll deductions since the original Anker living wage study carried out in March 2022 (Do, Nguyen, Anker, and Anker, 2022). |
| Keywords: | Living costs, living wages, Anker Methodology, Vietnam |
| JEL: | J30 J50 J80 |
| Date: | 2023–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iad:glliwa:230416&r=sea |
| By: | Dang, Son-Hoang; Nguyen, Luan-Thanh |
| Abstract: | This study explores the factors influencing customer loyalty in social commerce, defined as the integration of e-commerce with Web 2.0 software and social technology. Despite the significance of customer loyalty in maintaining long-term competitive advantages, limited research has focused on this aspect within the context of social commerce. The aim of this study is to identify the key factors affecting customer loyalty in social commerce platforms. Data was collected through surveys from 218 social commerce customers in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, representing various s-commerce platforms. The partial least squares approach was used to analyze the data. The results reveal that customer loyalty is positively influenced by trust and satisfaction. Additionally, service quality, reputation, perceived security, and customer feedback positively impact both trust and satisfaction. These findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of customer loyalty in social commerce and provide practical implications for social commerce managers. The study highlights the importance of fostering trust and satisfaction through various factors, such as service quality, reputation, perceived security, and customer feedback, to enhance customer loyalty. |
| Keywords: | social commerce, PLS-SEM, customer loyalty, Vietnam |
| JEL: | M3 M31 |
| Date: | 2023–08–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:119509&r=sea |
| By: | Maxime TERRIEUX |
| Abstract: | Sau ba thập kỷ đạt tốc độ tăng trưởng cao (trung bình 7 %)đã giúp Việt Nam xoá đói giảm nghèo và được xếp vào nhóm nước có thu nhập trung bình và tiếp tục tạo ra nhiều triển vọng tốt đẹp thu hút các nhà đầu tư nhờ vào sự ổn định về chính trị xã hội, vào sự cẩn trọng trong điều hành chính sách, vào tốc độ tăng trưởng kinh tế cao và thị trường nội địa với 100 triệu dân, là những thế mạnh quan trọng hàng đầu. Ngoài ra, Việt Nam còn có tỷ lệ vay vốn Nhà nước thấp và nền kinh tế của Việt Nam tiếp tục dựa trên việc hội nhập mạnh mẽ vào thị trường thương mại thế giới và đã được hưởng nhiều lợi thế từ những biến động gần đây (việc cơ cấu lại chuỗi giá trị liên quan đến dịch Covid-19 và cuộc chiến thương mại giữa Mỹ và Trung Quốc).Mặc dù nền kinh tế của Việt Nam có thể nhanh chóng ra nhập nhóm các nước có thu nhập trung bình cao (vào năm 2025), nhưng về mặt trung hạn vẫn còn những điểm yếu do hệ thống ngân hàng có số lượng vốn thấp và lượng ngoại tệ đang gặp nhiều khó khăn về mặt cơ cấu. Hai điểm trụ cột này |
| Keywords: | Vietnam |
| JEL: | E |
| Date: | 2024–01–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:avg:wpaper:vi16154&r=sea |
| By: | Abrigo, Michael R.M. |
| Abstract: | The impact of sex education on various behavioral outcomes has been studied in the literature. However, these studies failed to account for the simultaneity between knowledge demand and sexual behavior, leading to inconsistent effect estimates using a simple comparison of means from randomized control interventions. This paper employs a theoretical model of sexual behavior and demand for information on sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It shows that the impact of STI knowledge on sexual behavior depends on how information alters the anticipated costs associated with sexual activity. Empirical findings indicate that heightened awareness of STIs delays sexual initiation, constrains sexual activity, and enhances condom use among subpopulations of female young adults in the country. |
| Keywords: | health behavior;sex education;reproductive health;sexually transmitted infections;HIV;AIDS |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:pjdevt:pjd_2023_vol__47_no__2a&r=sea |
| By: | International Monetary Fund |
| Abstract: | After a strong recovery from the pandemic in 2022, growth moderated in the first half of 2023 due to external headwinds, fiscal underspending, and normalization of pent-up demand. Inflation decelerated from the peak in early 2023 supported by domestic policy tightening despite a recent uptick related to resurgent commodity prices. Growth is projected to rebound in the second half of 2023 and 2024 while inflation is expected to gradually approach the target. Risks to the growth outlook are tilted to the downside, mainly stemming from persistently high inflation, globally and locally, and a highly uncertain global economic and geopolitical environment. Upside risks to the inflation outlook include higher commodity prices and potential second-round effects. |
| Date: | 2023–12–15 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfscr:2023/414&r=sea |
| By: | International Monetary Fund |
| Abstract: | At the request of the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG), and with the support of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF’s) Asia and Pacific Department (APD), the Statistics Department (STA) conducted an in-person technical assistance (TA) mission on the compilation of financial soundness indicators (FSIs) during November 14-18, 2022, in Port Moresby. Prior to the mission, the BPNG was compiling and reporting a set of FSIs to STA which are disseminated in the IMF’s FSI data portal. The mission, in collaboration with the BPNG staff, updated the methodologies for compiling FSIs for deposit takers and developed new FSIs for life insurance corporations and pension funds in line with the 2019 FSIs Guide, for reporting to STA. This mission is financed by the Financial Sector Stability Fund (FSSF) FSIs Sub-Module. |
| Keywords: | Papua New Guinea; Financial Soundness Indicators; 2019 FSIs Guide; Deposit takers; Other financial corporations; Insurance corporations; Pension funds; TA mission; BPNG staff; FSIs coverage; Papua New Guinea Office of Insurance Commissioner; Financial statements; Loans; Financial sector. |
| Date: | 2023–12–15 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfscr:2023/420&r=sea |
| By: | Inphonephong, Souphalack; Kotchofa, Pacem; Phounvisouk, L. |
| Keywords: | Agricultural and Food Policy, Institutional and Behavioral Economics, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods |
| Date: | 2023–12–21 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iwmirp:339150&r=sea |
| By: | Quimba, Francis Mark A.; Ulep, Valerie Gilbert T.; Navarro, Adoracion M.; Uy, Jhanna; Moreno, Neil Irwin S.; Puyat, Vicente Alberto R.; Antonio, Victor Andrew A.; Flaminiano, Clarisa Joy A.; Abrigo, Michael R.M. |
| Abstract: | The second semester issue of the Philippine Journal of Development contains articles on sexual education and behavior, the Oil Price Stabilization Fund (OPSF), digital services trade, and health service coverage. The first article explores how knowledge on sexually transmitted infections affects sexual behavior among subpopulations of female young adults in the country. The second article traces the OPSF history and contextualizes the reasons behind its abolition and the downstream oil industry’s subsequent deregulation. The third article assesses measures for the Philippines’ regional integration in terms of its effects on digital services trade. The last article analyzes trends and disparities in health service coverage using data from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation on insurance claims, membership information, and accredited facilities, merged with auxiliary datasets from the Department of Health and the Philippine Statistics Authority. |
| Keywords: | Health behavior;sex education;Oil Price Stabilization Fund;oil price regulation;downstream oil industry deregulation;policy reversal;fossil fuel subsidies;price unbundling;strategic oil reserves;digital services trade;WTO GPA;local loop unbundling;data retention policy;copyright enforcement;universal health care;health service coverage;spatiotemporal analysis;PhilHealth |
| Date: | 2023 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:pjdevt:pjd_2023_vol__47_no__2x&r=sea |
| By: | Taron, Avinandan; Majumder, A.; Bodach, Susanne; Agbefu, Dzifa |
| Abstract: | Processing biomass from different waste streams into marketable products such as organic fertilizer and bio-energy is increasingly realized through public-private partnerships (PPPs). In developing countries, the private sector can be expected to contribute technical skills, organizational capabilities and marketing expertise, and leverage capital inflow. In contrast, the public sector will provide the regulatory framework and help its enforcement, plan public investment, involve and educate stakeholders, and ensure waste supply. This report reviews case studies that implemented PPPs in resource recovery and reuse (RRR) from waste streams with a particular focus on Asia and Africa, including those PPPs facilitated by the authors. Critical factors behind the success and failure of these cases are analyzed. The review indicates three key barriers to success: (i) waste-related bottlenecks, (ii) limited awareness about RRR products and their market(ing), and (iii) lack of proper institutional frameworks. Common shortfalls concern failure to meet commitments related to the quality and quantity of waste, missing understanding of the reuse market, etc. The report points out mitigation measures addressing possible challenges around appropriate technologies, finance and revenue streams, legal issues, as well as social and environmental concerns. It is required to establish close monitoring, appropriate procurement mechanisms and due diligence during the project preparation and pre-bid. If possible, such a PPP project should consider risk and commercial viability assessment as well as financial strategy planning (scaling). Successful involvement of the private sector in the RRR market is critical to close the resource loop and safeguard human and environmental health, which is the overarching objective of sustainable waste management. |
| Keywords: | Environmental Economics and Policy, Marketing, Productivity Analysis, Public Economics, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, Risk and Uncertainty |
| Date: | 2023–08–22 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iwmirp:339137&r=sea |
| By: | Saisawat Samutpradit |
| Abstract: | This study investigates the impact of the death of the primary earner of the household on the labor supply decision of the remaining household member in rural areas, in contrast to literature which often focuses on more developed societies with complete public insurance coverage. We found widow households could maintain the same level of consumption with only a temporary decline in savings. They achieved this by taking over the household business and receiving support from children and other relatives who moved in to assist, with the responsibility falling on daughters rather than sons. On the contrary, widowers withdrew from the labor force after the death of their wives. The di erence in responses could be explained by the income gain to the remaining household members. Widows also experienced a rise in gift income and a decrease in public transfer. |
| Keywords: | Family structure; Labor supply; Elderly population |
| JEL: | J12 J14 J22 I31 |
| Date: | 2024–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pui:dpaper:213&r=sea |
| By: | International Monetary Fund |
| Abstract: | Selected Issues |
| Date: | 2023–12–15 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfscr:2023/415&r=sea |
| By: | Bostan, Ionel; Bostan, Patricia |
| Abstract: | The work we are briefly referring to here addresses an important issue within modern didactics, namely "public health and healthcare management." Those interested will discover in the book's pages fundamental aspects regarding public health and healthcare management, including proposed solutions to issues related to these concepts. The main sections cover: the social health insurance system, healthcare management in Romania, human and financial resources in healthcare, the specific organizational culture in the healthcare field, and more. The fact that Romania's healthcare system faces numerous difficulties makes this work useful for managers in the healthcare sector, doctors, educators/researchers, medical students, with the authors imbuing the content with a remarkably accessible and comprehensive character. |
| Keywords: | Public health; health insurance; healthcare services; healthcare management; human and financial resources in healthcare. |
| JEL: | I13 I18 I19 |
| Date: | 2023–12–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:119409&r=sea |
| By: | Shushanik Hakobyan; Sergii Meleshchuk; Robert Zymek |
| Abstract: | This paper assesses differences in countries’ macroeconomic exposure to trade fragmentation along geopolitical lines. Estimating structural gravity regressions for sector-level bilateral trade flows between 185 countries, we find that differences in individual countries’ geopolitical ties act as a barrier to trade, with the largest effects concentrated in a few sectors (notably, food and high-end manufacturing). Consequently, countries’ exposure via trade to geopolitical shifts varies with their market size, comparative advantage, and foreign policy alignments. Introducing our estimates into a dynamic many-country, many-sector quantitative trade model, we show that geoeconomic fragmentation—modelled as an increased sensitivity of trade costs to geopolitics and greater geopolitical polarization—generally leads to lower trade and incomes. However, emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) tend to see the largest impacts: real per-capita income losses for the median EMDE in Asia are 80 percent larger, and for the median EMDE in Africa 120 percent larger, than for the median advanced economy. This suggests that the costs of trade fragmentation could fall disproportionally on countries that can afford it the least. |
| Keywords: | Geoeconomic fragmentation; trade barriers; gravity; emerging markets and developing economies |
| Date: | 2023–12–22 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2023/270&r=sea |