Latin America 2040 — Breaking Away from Complacency: An Agenda for Resurgence

Latin America

Capital and labour productivity convergence of manufacturing industry in the regions of Greece

Given that spatially uneven industrial growth is a prime topic in economic geography, it is surprising that changing regional productivity is a relatively understudied area. However, there are clear signs that this situation has started to change lately. Recent findings in the field of international economics regarding productivity convergence have led to a proliferation of studies focused on the sources of this phenomenon at the regional scale, with structural change and technological diffusion prominent. This paper explores the process of manufacturing productivity convergence in the regions of Greece. The first issue to be addressed is methodological and concerns the evolution of current thinking about productivity in regional analysis. Why is it the case that more attention seems to have been paid to the input factors of production, especially labour, rather than their productive use? Definitional issues in the measurement of productivity follow next. The main aim of the research is to estimate and understand the evolution of regional manufacturing productivity in Greece during the period 1984-1993. Detailed econometric analysis in this case is precluded by inadequate data, but rather more straightforward comparative analysis of labour and capital productivity clearly points to a significant convergence. A variety of approaches are then employed in an attempt to isolate and account for the forces behind regional productivity dynamics in Greece. Key words: capital productivity, convergence, labour productivity, regional disparities, uneven growth, Greek regions.

NAFTA at 20: Overview and Trade Effects

[Excerpt] The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has been in effect since January 1, 1994. Signed by President George H.W. Bush on December 17, 1992, and approved by Congress on November 20, 1993, the NAFTA Implementation Act was signed into law by President William J. Clinton on December 8, 1993 (P.L. 103-182). NAFTA continues to be of interest to Congress because of the importance of Canada and Mexico as U.S. trading partners, and also because of the implications NAFTA has for U.S. trade policy. This report provides an overview of North American trade liberalization before NAFTA, an overview of NAFTA provisions, the economic effects of NAFTA, and policy considerations

Health policy in Asia and the Pacific: navigating local needs and global challenges

Abstract: Asia and the Pacific is undergoing a remarkable economic transformation, which is occurring at an exceptional pace. There is clear evidence of an equally rapid epidemiological transition in the region. This article sets out the policy challenges of building healthy societies in the context of rapid economic change. The region’s location at the cross roads of contemporary globalisation, resulting in intensified population mobility, large-scale trade and investment, and pressures to take collective action on shared problems, adds to the complexity of this task. The article argues that health is integral to building stable and sustainable societies, and that there are opportunities to develop more holistic approaches that bring together hitherto separate policy spheres

Pascal Lamy on regional trade agreements

The paper discusses in particular the role of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) regarding Regional Trade Agreements (RTA) and Regional Integration Agreements (RIA) as well as the benefits and limitations of these agreements. Examples are given which outline on the one hand the successful developements which have taken place, but also points on failures in setting up or benefitting from those agreements. It stresses also the need for unified action at the WTO itself

India country strategy

This strategy outlines a vision of where Australia\u27s relationship with India should be in 2025 and how Australia should get there. Australia and India entered into a strategic partnership in 2009. By elevating the relationship to this level, both countries confirmed a strong commitment to expand and deepen collaboration. India is a major regional power, and one that is rising globally. Of Australia’s significant bilateral relationships in Asia, that with India has perhaps the greatest potential to grow and develop towards 2025. India can contribute to Australia’s vision of a more productive and resilient economy through greater trade and investment. Closer people-to-people, migration and travel links will benefit both countries, as will stronger bilateral and multilateral cooperation. With a population of 1.2 billion people, India is a large and complex country. In 2012, India became the third-largest economy in the world in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP), following 10 years in which average annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth was more than 7 per cent. The Indian economy is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 6.75 per cent between 2012 and 2025. According to the United Nations Development Programme, over half of India’s population faces multidimensional poverty. Future growth and reduction in poverty will require a sustained effort to create jobs, improve skills, develop infrastructure and deliver better public services. The opportunities and challenges Australia faces when engaging with India could vary significantly depending on India’s rate and quality of growth, and the scale of its reform. Australia can supply the resources that India needs to develop, whether this is coking coal for steel, or copper for construction. India is our fifth-largest export market and 10th-largest two-way trading partner. The two-way investment relationship is also growing. In 2012, India invested $10 billion in Australia, while Australia invested$5.7 billion in India

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

[Excerpt] The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has been in effect since January 1, 1994. NAFTA was signed by President George H. W. Bush on December 17, 1992, and approved by Congress on November 20, 1993. The NAFTA Implementation Act was signed into law by President William J. Clinton on December 8, 1993 (P.L. 103-182). NAFTA continues to be of interest to Congress because of the importance of Canada and Mexico as trading partners, and because of the implications NAFTA has for U.S. trade policy under the Administration of President Donald J. Trump. During his election campaign, President Trump stated his desire to renegotiate NAFTA and that he would examine the ramifications of withdrawing from the agreement once he entered into office. He has also raised the possibility of imposing tariffs or a border tax on products from Mexico. This report provides an overview of North American market-opening provisions prior to NAFTA, provisions of the agreement, economic effects, and policy considerations