Export Diversification in Low-Income Countries and Small States: Do Country Size and Income Level Matter?
Export Diversification in Low-Income Countries and Small States: Do Country Size and Income Level Matter?

Author: Dongyeol Lee

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2019-05-24

Total Pages: 24

ISBN-13: 1498315658

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Export structure is less diversified in low-income countries (LICs) and especially small states that face resource constraints and small economic size. This paper explores the potential linkages between export structure and economic growth and its volatility in LICs and small states, using a range of indices of export concentration differing in the coverage of industries. The empirical analysis finds that export diversification may promote economic growth and reduce economic volatility in these countries. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrates that the economic benefits of export diversification differ by country size and income level—there are bigger benefits for relatively larger and poorer countries within the group of LICs and small states.

A Diversification Strategy for South Asia
A Diversification Strategy for South Asia

Author: Weicheng Lian

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2021-07-30

Total Pages: 49

ISBN-13: 1513584790

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While South Asia has gone a long way in diversifying their economies, there is substantial scope to do more. Some countries – India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka – can build on their existing production capabilities; others – Bangladesh, Bhutan, and the Maldives – would need to undertake a more concerted push. We identify key policies from a large set of potential determinants that explain the variation in export diversification and complexity across 189 countries from 1962 to 2018. Our analysis suggests that South Asia needs to invest in infrastructure, education, and R&D, facilitate bank credit to productive companies, and open to trade in order to diversify and move up the value chains. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, investing in digital technologies as part of the infrastructure push and improving education are of even greater importance to facilitate the ability to work remotely and assist resource reallocation away from the less viable sectors.

Potential Exports and Nontariff Barriers to Trade
Potential Exports and Nontariff Barriers to Trade

Author: Asian Development Bank

Publisher: Asian Development Bank

Published: 2021-11-01

Total Pages: 133

ISBN-13: 9292691066

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This publication explores how Bhutan could boost its exports by addressing nontariff barriers to trade. It focuses on sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical barriers to trade, and on export products that have the potential to increase their market share in Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. It considers options including legal reforms, the upgrade of quality standards and laboratory equipment, and institution building of accrediting bodies and conformity assessment bodies. Practical recommendations suggest ways forward for both the public and private sectors.

Staff Studies for the World Econ Outlook, August 1987
Staff Studies for the World Econ Outlook, August 1987

Author: International Monetary Fund

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 1987-01-01

Total Pages: 164

ISBN-13: 1451943644

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This paper reviews the long-term growth performance of the major industrial countries and discusses some of the many factors that have been identified as possible sources of the marked slowdown in growth since the early 1970s. According to the view of different demographic developments across countries, it is useful to break the growth of output down into changes in tabor input and changes in labor productivity in order to obtain a basis for cross-country comparisons. Wage behavior in the face of energy price shocks appears to have differed considerably among the major industrial countries. Increased uncertainty, reflecting, in particular, changes in the international economic environment and the stop-go financial policies of several of the major countries during the 1970s, and is frequently cited as a possible reason for the slowdown in growth, mainly through its impact on private investment. Views on the contribution of slower net capital accumulation to the deceleration in growth depend upon assessments of whether the efficiency of investment declined significantly after 1973 and on assumptions made about technological change and the embodiment of technical progress.

The Sri Lankan Economy
The Sri Lankan Economy

Author: Prema-chandra Athukorala

Publisher: Asian Development Bank

Published: 2017-10-01

Total Pages: 291

ISBN-13: 9292579746

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This is a pivotal period in Sri Lanka's economic development. The end of conflict opens a door for accelerated economic growth and poverty reduction. Reform is needed to regain momentum because fiscal imbalances and rising public debt could jeopardize macroeconomic stability. The economy would benefit from significant trade and commercial policy reform. The labor market suffers from sluggish growth of formal sector employment and from skills mismatches, which can be addressed by changes in education policy and systems. The book analyzes these and related critical constraints on the Sri Lankan economy, and proposes a set of policy reforms that would lay the foundations for more rapid and inclusive development.