Recovery and Growth in Transition: A Decade of Evidence

Abstract

This paper reviews a range of studies that examine differences in growth performance among transition countries. There is a consensus in the literature about the core elements of transition and the policies necessary for sustainable growth, although considerable differences remain about how to implement these policies and about their proper sequencing. The empirical work identifies stabilization and structural reforms (e.g., market liberalization, private ownership) as important determinants of growth, but underlines the role of initial conditions and institutions.There is divergent evidence, however, on the importance of specific reforms. Traditional factor inputs have as yet no role in explaining growth. Copyright 2002, International Monetary Fund