Macrosocial determinants of population health in the context of globalization

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/55738/1/florey_globalization_2007.pd

Hidden foreign exchange flows: Estimating unofficial remittances to Tonga and Western Samoa

This article shows how sample survey data from both the remitting and receiving ends can be used to derive estimates of total remittances by migrants from Tonga and Western Samoa, including those sent through unofficial channels. Such survey data can provide a wealth of information on the variety of forms and channels of remittances used by migrants, from which it is possible to assess the quantitative and qualitative significance of these hidden international resource flows. Unrecorded remittances are found to constitute a highly significant part of total remittances to these Pacific island countries. It is argued that current account estimates from official balance of payments data in these situations need to be treated with extreme caution, especially in the context of macroeconomic analysis and policy formulation

Migrants' remittances, capital flight, and macroeconomic imbalance in Sudan's hidden economy

Migration to the Gulf, the spread of the parallel economy, and capital flight have become major features of Sudan's economy. This paper examines these processes, analyzes the relationships between them and estimates their quantitative significance over the period 1978-87, based on survey data on Sudanese migrants abroad, andusing a simple macroeconomic accounting framework It finds that the revised macroeconomic aggregates incorporating the unrecorded international financial flows and domestic transactions associated with these "hidden" adjustment processes give a completely different picture of Sudan's economic imbalances and the nature of the microeconomic processes underlying these. The efficacy of orthodox IMF and World Bank analysis and policy prescriptions are then questioned in the light of this alternative perspective

The IMF and Paris club debt rescheduling: A conflicting role?

The IMF has become increasingly involved in mediating debt rescheduling agreements between debtor countries and official creditors through its role in the Paris Club. This has coincided with increased ‘slippage’ and breakdown of IMF conditionality agreements, and a worsening ‘arrears problem’. After tracing the IMF's role in Paris Club rescheduling procedures, and drawing on recent experience in Egypt and Sudan, this paper argues that the IMF's role in existing debt rescheduling procedures undermines its capacity to perform its policy role, and exposes it to default, particularly by most heavily indebted ‘official borrowers’ of Sub‐Saharan Africa. Copyrigh

From consumption to savings? Interpreting Tongan and Western Samoan sample survey data on remittances

This article examines the findings of an analysis of sample survey data on the uses and determinants of remittances among Tongan and Western Samoan households. These surveys were undertaken at both the receiving and remitting ends of the process, and bring forth important evidence that remittances are not used exclusively for consumption purposes and play an important role in contributing to both savings and investment in the migrant sending countries. It also shows that remittances appear not to be driven exclusively by altruistic sentiments and the need for family support, but also, among some migrant categories, by the motivation to invest. There appears to be substantial scope for policy intervention on the part of Pacific island governments to increase the flows of remittances into their economies

Remittances in the South Pacific

For more than a quarter of a century there has been substantial emigration from the smaller island states of the Pacific to metropolitan fringe states, mainly the USA, New Zealand and Australia. Migration reduced unemployment in island states and remittances have contributed to raised living standards. This paper provides a better understanding of the implications of remittances for economic and social development in the Pacific region. It discusses alternative explanations of remittances, estimates of the size of remittance flows, the impact of remittances on the home country, and policies that influence the flow of remittances Much of the empirical work in this paper is based on Tonga and Samoa, although the findings apply more generally to other Pacific island nations