The Venezuelan Economy in the Chavez Years

This paper examines how Venezuela's economy has fared since President Hugo Chavez was elected in 1998. The paper looks at growth, employment, poverty, investment and other indicators, and considers the popular conception of whether the current economic expansion is an "oil boom headed for a bust.

Debt Cancellation for Haiti: No Reason for Further Delays

This paper presents an overview of Haiti's outstanding foreign debt, and how much of this debt is scheduled to be canceled under Haiti's participation in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank's Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. The paper examines how soon Haiti may complete the HIPC process, and compares the benefits of debt cancellation for Haiti under HIPC versus expedited cancellation, in addition to, or outside of, the HIPC initiative

Update on the Ecuadorian Economy

This paper provides an overview of major macroeconomic and social indicators and policy changes in Ecuador over the two and a half years since President Rafael Correa took office in January 2007, including economic growth, social spending, fiscal policy, inflation, foreign debt, the trade balance, and various policy changes as well as the recent impacts of the world recession

Argentina's Economic Recovery: Policy Choices and Implications

This paper examines Argentina's current economic expansion, which is now more than five and a half years old, and that far exceeded the expectations of most economists and the business media. There are a number of policy choices that seem to have contributed to the recovery, some of them unorthodox and controversial. Among these were the Central Bank's targeting of a stable and competitive exchange rate; Argentina's break with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and its policy prescriptions; and the default on its debt and maintenance of a hard line with its international creditors. The paper suggests that Argentina's experience could have important implications for other developing countries

Bolivia's Economy - An Update

This issue brief looks at Bolivia's main economic indicators over the past year, noting improvements in growth, fiscal balances, balance of payments, and international reserves. These improvements were largely due to government policies and choices, such as increased hydrocarbons royalties and control over the hydrocarbons sector, and have allowed the government to embark on a number of programs targeting the poor and landless. The paper also notes that Bolivia faces many challenges: expansion of land reform, more rapid growth and poverty reduction, the reduction of regional and demographic disparities, and an accelerated diversification of the economy away from hydrocarbons and minerals

Brazil's Presidential Election: Background on Economic Issues

The paper looks at current economic issues and policies in Brazil and discusses what economic changes could take place in the coming years

Update - Debt Cancellation for Haiti: No Reason For Further Delays

This paper presents an update of CEPR’s December 2007 overview of Haiti’s outstanding foreign debt, and how much of this debt is scheduled to be canceled under Haiti’s participation in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank’s Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. It examines how soon Haiti may complete the HIPC process, and compares the benefits of debt cancellation for Haiti under HIPC versus expedited debt cancellation.Haiti, debt, third world debt, IMF, World Bank, debt cancellation

Update on the Ecuadorian Economy

This paper provides an overview of major macroeconomic and social indicators and policy changes in Ecuador over the two and a half years since President Rafael Correa took office in January 2007, including economic growth, social spending, fiscal policy, inflation, foreign debt, the trade balance, and various policy changes as well as the recent impacts of the world recession.Ecuador, Correa

Bolivia's Challenges

Bolivia's new government has a good chance to deliver on its promises to reverse the country's long-term economic failure and help the poor. This report analyses Bolivia's external public debt and debt relief, grants and foreign borrowing, and trade.

The Venezuelan Economy in the Chávez Years

This paper is an update of CEPR’s July 2007 overview of the Venezuelan economy, and includes the latest available data (at the time of publication) for growth, employment, poverty, budget information, and other data. The paper notes continued progress in economic growth, poverty reduction, employment, and health and education indicators.Venezuala, Chavez, economy