Trade and Cost Competitiveness in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovenia
Trade and Cost Competitiveness in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovenia

Author: Peter Havlik

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2000-01-01

Total Pages: 80

ISBN-13: 9780821347966

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Although the four countries considered in this study are the most developed transition countries in Europe, their average wages are only a fraction of West European levels. While the labor costs would theoretically give the Central and Eastern European (CEEC) countries an advantage, capital shortages and the lack of skills required for a market economy prevent its use. The report was prepared under the auspices of the World Bank by Peter Havlik, Deputy Director of the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (WIIW). This report reviews wage and labor productivity developments and examines the evolution of export competitiveness. It also summarizes the main findings from the ongoing research by WIIW on the impact of foreign direct investment on restructuring and provides some policy recommendations.

Attacking Extreme Poverty
Attacking Extreme Poverty

Author: Quentin Wodon

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2001-01-01

Total Pages: 150

ISBN-13: 9780821349397

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..this book...gives us a history lesson and a guide on how to build commercial finance that fits the needs of the world's poorest majority. Policy makers, finance leaders, and anyone who wants to join this revolution in banking must read this book. Around the world, a revolution is occurring in finance for low-income people. The microfinance revolution is delivering financial services to the economically active poor on a large scale through competing, financially self-sufficient institutions. In a few countries this has already happened; in others it is under way. The emerging microfinance industry has profound implications for social and economic development. For the first time in history, capital is well on its way to being democratized. The Microfinance Revolution, in three volumes, is aimed at a diverse readershipAcirc;-economists, bankers, policymakers, donors, and social scientists; microfinance practitioners and specialists in local finance and rural and urban development; and members of the general public interested in development. This first volume, Sustainable Finance for the Poor, focuses on the shift from government- and donor-subsidized credit systems to self-sufficient microfinance institutions providing voluntary savings and credit services. Acirc;"A magnificent workAcirc;" Elizabeth Littlefield, CEO, Consultative Group to Assist the Poorest (CGAP) Acirc;"A much-needed wake-up call for economistsAcirc;" David E. Bloom, Clarence James Gamble Professor of Economics and Demography, Harvard University Acirc;"A major work that will unquestionably lie at the very center of microfinance literatureAcirc;" Robert Peck Christen, Senior Adviser, CGAP Secretariat; Academic Director, Microfinance Training Program, Naropa University Acirc;"A seminal workAcirc;" Ira W. Lieberman, former CEO of CGAP; Senior Manager, World Bank

Institutional Environment and Public Officials' Performance in Guyana
Institutional Environment and Public Officials' Performance in Guyana

Author: Ömer Gökçeku?

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2001-01-01

Total Pages: 92

ISBN-13: 9780821349465

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This report presents the findings of a survey of public officials in Guyana, on a wide range of civil service issues from personnel management practices to rewards and disciplinary action, and from budget environment to corruption. The objective of the study is to draw conclusions about those institutional weaknesses that should be the immediate target for reform.

Utility Pricing and the Poor
Utility Pricing and the Poor

Author: Julian A. Lampietti

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2001-01-01

Total Pages: 56

ISBN-13: 9780821349229

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'Utility Pricing and the Poor' evaluates the 1999 electricity tariff increase and the potential for improved water-sector cost recovery, with a particular focus on service accessibility and affordability for the poor. A two-stage approach is recommended. In the first stage, revenues should be increased by ensuring payment from households that have reliable service but are not paying their bills. After collection capacity is strengthened, the utility should implement a program of tariff adjustment, based on improved service and meter-based billing.

The Current Regulatory Framework Governing Business in Bulgaria
The Current Regulatory Framework Governing Business in Bulgaria

Author: Thomas O'Brien

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2001-01-01

Total Pages: 72

ISBN-13: 9780821349823

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This technical paper outlines the key elements of the regulatory environment for business in Bulgaria. Its eight chapters are based largely on a review of Bulgarian legislation and regulations, in effect in the second half of the year 2000. In Bulgaria, there have been many positive economic developments in recent years. By describing and enhancing the understanding of the regulatory framework, this paper aims to help bring about further improvements in the years ahead.

Does Eurosclerosis Matter?
Does Eurosclerosis Matter?

Author: Michelle Riboud

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2002

Total Pages: 74

ISBN-13: 9780821350904

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"Whether or not labor market rigidities are an important contributor to persistently high levels of unemployment remains at the center of an important debate in Europe. European labor markets are often viewed as rigid and inflexible in opposition to those in North America where legislation is less protective and fosters more mobility. This paper shows that the labor market policies adopted by Central and Eastern European countries, aspiring to join the European Union, do not appear excessively rigid. However, significant and wide- ranging economic reform programs make it difficult to assess the impact of labor market institutions."

Structural Reforms in Southeastern Europe Since the Kosovo Conflict
Structural Reforms in Southeastern Europe Since the Kosovo Conflict

Author: Daniela Gressani

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2002-01-01

Total Pages: 46

ISBN-13: 9780821351970

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This study examines the progress made by the countries of south-east Europe (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, FYR Macedonia, Romania, and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia) towards implementing structural economic reforms in the three years since the end of the Kosovo conflict, as well as considering the challenges that lie ahead. It discusses four key areas of reform: strengthening public finances and fighting corruption; creating a liberal trade environment; encouraging foreign investment; and fostering the growth of private markets.

Poverty in Albania
Poverty in Albania

Author: Hermine de Soto

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2002-01-01

Total Pages: 156

ISBN-13: 9780821351093

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Annotation During the ten years of reform, Albania has been buffeted by set backs which led fully 40% of respondents to indicate that socioeconomic conditions have worsened during that period. While informal coping mechanisms have been developed in many communities, these are under stress and threaten to give way.

Forestry in the Middle East and North Africa
Forestry in the Middle East and North Africa

Author: Idah Pswarayi-Riddihough

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2002-01-01

Total Pages: 68

ISBN-13: 9780821351635

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Annotation This book details the World Bank assisted forestry projects implemented in the MENA region over the last ten years. It contains a definition of forests in the region and describes their current status.

Forest Concession Policies and Revenue Systems
Forest Concession Policies and Revenue Systems

Author: John Andrew Gray

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2002-01-01

Total Pages: 126

ISBN-13: 9780821351703

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Forest concessions have been an important element of forestry and forest management in many countries, including developing countries. However, if sustainable management of tropical forests is to be achieved and deforestation brought under control, the allocation, management, and supervision of forest concessions will need to be strengthened. This study examines the failures of forest concessions over the last 20 years, and highlights the potential gains resulting from concentrating on improving procedures, introducing performance incentives, and monitoring key performance elements.