'Zombie' firms will drag down economic growth

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
Heavy Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financially Distressed ◽  
The Government ◽  
State Enterprises ◽  
Foreign Competitors

Subject China's efforts to shut down poorly performing state enterprises. Significance China's 'zombie' companies are heavily indebted state-owned enterprises (SOEs) that cannot survive without state financial support. They are believed to be numerous, and to be multiplying as the economy slows. Policies to tackle such firms were announced in December 2015 and several financially distressed SOEs shut down, but since March 2016 the process has lost momentum. Impacts Efforts to shut down zombie companies will hit heavy industry hardest. The number of layoffs in coal and steel will probably exceed the 5-6 million the government expects. Successful SOEs may be at risk of having workforces laid off by other state firms foisted upon them. Continued support for SOEs will maintain their advantage over private domestic and foreign competitors.

Peace deals will not reduce illegal mining in Colombia

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Gold Mining ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Illegal Mining ◽  
Legal Challenges ◽  
The Government ◽  
Trump Administration

Subject Illegal mining. Significance The army this month announced the capture of two suspected members of the Clan del Golfo crime group (otherwise known as the Urabenos) in Buritica, Antioquia. The group is thought to be attempting to revive illegal mining in the area, which the government has targeted as part of a recent drive to tackle the crime. Despite increased security efforts nationwide, and the demobilisation of rebels from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), however, little immediate improvement is anticipated. Impacts Gold mining firms are particularly at risk of illegal miners and will invest heavily in security. Gaining project licences may become more difficult if communities associate mining with destructive, unregulated operations. Environmental activism may contribute to the spread of illicit mining as permits for large-scale projects face mounting legal challenges. Security funding could come under further strain should the Trump administration curtail US financial support to Colombia.

Sonko protests will embolden Senegal’s opposition

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Targeted Attacks ◽  
The Government ◽  
Public Disorder ◽  
Unemployed Youth ◽  
Roll Out

Significance He had been arrested for disrupting public disorder and attending an illegal demonstration after protests erupted as he responded to a court summons concerning rape allegations. His arrest and detention has triggered wider unrest and a public backlash against President Macky Sall and his government. Impacts Sall will increase budgetary spending to try to appease the growing numbers of unemployed youth. Deep public mistrust of the government could hamper COVID-19 vaccine roll-out. With anti-French sentiment increasing, French businesses will be at risk of further targeted attacks during protests.

Australian central bank holds rate as growth slips

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Central Bank ◽  
Interest Rates ◽  
Labour Markets ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Commercial Lenders ◽  
The Government ◽  
Roll Out ◽  
Growth Forecasts

Significance The RBA has cut its growth forecasts amid rising job losses, weakening demand and increasing signs that the latest COVID-19 lockdowns will continue to slow the economy until the pace of the vaccine roll-out programme can be increased. Impacts Although the RBA is independent, the government will hope it keeps rates low ahead of the elections due next year. Commercial lenders could raise interest rates independently of the RBA if inflation remains high. Wage pressures will re-emerge as labour markets tighten but may be mitigated by the extent of underemployment. Economic growth will be uneven across the country in coming months as pandemic-related restrictions vary by location.

scholarly journals Selected Stakeholders’ Perception of the Contribution of Vocational Education to Botswana’s Economy

1970 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-118
Author(s):  
Samuel Oshima Mmolai ◽  
Ushe Makambe
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Vocational Education ◽  
Significant Role ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
Heavy Industry ◽  
Stakeholder Perception ◽  
Vocational Colleges ◽  
The Government

The aim of this study was to examine stakeholder perception of the contribution of vocational education (VE) to the economy of Botswana. A survey design was adopted. The sample included staff of the Ministry of Education, Vocational Colleges and Industry at the time of the study. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 61 respondents. The results confirmed that stakeholders believed that while VE was playing a significant role in fostering economic growth, it did not effectively translate into benefits to its recipients and it also failed to bring industrialisation to Botswana. For stakeholders to realise more benefits from VE, there is need to review the curriculum to become more relevant, ensure that unemployed graduates access finance to start businesses and for the government to attract investment in heavy industry to stimulate industrialisation.

Does transportation infrastructure impact economic growth in India?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sreenu Nenavath
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Transport Infrastructure ◽  
Causality Test ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Short Run ◽  
The Government ◽  
Determinants Of Economic Growth

Purpose This paper aims to show a long run and causal association between economic growth and transport infrastructure. Design/methodology/approach In this study, the authors use ARDL models through the period 1990 – 2020 to investigate the relationship between transport infrastructure and economic growth in India. Findings The infrastructure has a positive impact on economic growth in India for the long run. Moreover, Granger causality test demonstrates a unidirectional relationship between transport infrastructure to economic development. Stimulatingly, the paper highlights the effect of air infrastructure statistically insignificant on economic growth in the long and short-run period. Originality/value The original outcome from the study delivers an inclusive depiction of determinants of economic growth from transport infrastructure in India, and these findings will help the policymakers to frame policies to improve the transport infrastructure. Hence, it is proposed that the government of Indian should focus more to upsurge the transport infrastructure for higher economic development.

India’s 5G auction will boost Reliance’s digital plans

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Business Strategy ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Sector Banks ◽  
Spectrum Auction ◽  
Floor Price ◽  
The Government

Significance This came after the government announced plans for a 4G spectrum auction in March 2021, after a five-year gap. There is growing speculation that this will be followed by an auction of 5G spectrum later in the year. Impacts Reliance’s lead on 5G will boost its broader digital business strategy. New financial support to indebted telcos will help to avoid further strain on public sector banks. Data tariffs are likely to remain competitive in India, even after a new floor price.

scholarly journals Economic growth effect of private capital inflows: a structural VAR approach for Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Friday Osemenshan Anetor
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Forecast Error ◽  
Research Result ◽  
Structural Var ◽  
Capital Inflows ◽  
Growth Effect ◽  
Private Capital ◽  
Portfolio Investment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of shocks in the various components of private capital inflows on economic growth in Nigeria using quarterly data in the period 1986Q1–2016Q4. Design/methodology/approach The study employs the impulse response function and the forecast error variance decomposition of the structural vector autoregression (SVAR) model. Findings The research result shows that shocks in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and portfolio investment inflows have a positive and significant impact on economic growth in Nigeria. In addition, FDIs accounted for significant variation in the growth of the Nigerian economy followed by portfolio investments, while personal remittances exerted the least variation in growth. Practical implications The government should promote a favorable macroeconomic environment for existing and potential foreign investors to ensure the continued inflows of FDI and portfolio investment. Originality/value The novelty of this study lies in disaggregating private capital inflows and analyzing the effect of the shock of each component on the growth of the Nigerian economy using SVAR.

Political regimes and foreign aid effectiveness in Ghana

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Konadu Tawiah ◽  
Evans John Barnes ◽  
Prince Acheampong ◽  
Ofori Yaw
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Foreign Aid ◽  
Political Ideology ◽  
Aid Effectiveness ◽  
Political Agenda ◽  
Annual Data ◽  
Political Regimes ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government

Purpose This paper has examined the effectiveness of foreign aid on Ghanaian economy under different political regimes. Design/methodology/approach Using vector error correction and co-integration models on the annual data set over a period of 35 years, the authors demonstrate that foreign aid has had varied impacts on economic growth depending on the political ideology of the government in power. Findings With capitalist political philosophy, foreign aid improves private sector growth through infrastructural development. On the other hand, a government with socialist philosophy applies most of its foreign aid in direct social interventions with the view of improving human capital. Thus, each political party is likely to seek foreign aid/grant that will support its political agenda. Overall, the results show that foreign aid has a positive impact on the growth of the Ghanaian economy when there is good macroeconomic environment. Practical implications This implies that the country experiences economic growth when there are sound economic policies to apply foreign aid. Originality/value The practical implication of the findings of this paper is that donor countries and agencies should consider the philosophy of the government in power while granting aid to recipient countries, especially in Africa. The results are robust to different proxies and models.

Effects of zakat on the economic growth in selected Islamic countries: empirical evidence

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khoutem Ben Jedidia ◽  
khouloud Guerbouj
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Panel Data ◽  
Aggregate Demand ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Dynamic Panel Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Muslim Countries ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This study aims to examine the impact of zakat on the economic growth for a sample of Muslim countries. As a matter of fact, Zakat is a religious tax on wealth paid annually to specified recipients. As it leads to income redistribution and increases the aggregate demand, zakat can be a growth factor in the Islamic framework. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on a dynamic panel data model for the purpose of investigating the role of zakat in the economic growth for a sample of eight Muslim countries during the period ranging from 2004 to 2017. The general method of moments is applied. Findings The findings provide evidence that zakat stimulates the country’s growth. Indeed, as zakat funds are directed to increase consumption, investment or government expenditure, they spur on the economic growth. Moreover, the authors come to the conclusion that more trade openness allows an increase in the real gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. However, the broad money to GDP and population growth rate seem insignificantly associated with the economic growth for the sample considered. Practical implications The findings have substantial implications for the economic policy in Muslim countries. Authorities may further rely on zakat to boost the economic growth. First, it is essential to improve the muzakki’s knowledge on zakat to increase their intention, and so their ability and willingness to pay zakat. Second, the government intervention in both zakat collect and distribution becomes mandatory. Therefore, the contribution of zakat to the economic growth will be higher. This requires better-quality services of zakat institutions. Originality/value A few studies have empirically looked into the impact of zakat on the economic growth, especially for panel data. Hence, the present study tries to enrich the literature on this topic. It creates significant evidence regarding the relevance of zakat in Muslim countries. The findings provide empirical support that zakat is an additional growth factor in the Islamic framework.

LPG consumption and economic growth, 1975-2016: evidence from Cameroon

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Gaston Tamba
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Causal Relationship ◽  
Liquefied Petroleum Gas ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Distributed Lag ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Short Run ◽  
Gas Consumption ◽  
The Government ◽  
Energy Efficiency Policies

Purpose This paper aims to examine the causal relationship between liquefied petroleum gas consumption and economic growth in Cameroon over the period from 1975 to 2016. Design/methodology/approach The methodology of this study is based on the unit root, cointegration and causality tests. Cointegration is performed with both Johansen and autoregressive distributed lag bounds approach, while causality is done with the Granger test based on the error correction model (ECM) and Toda-Yamamoto procedure. Findings The cointegration methods confirm the existence of a level relationship, whereas the causal tests of the ECM reveal the existence of a short-run unidirectional causal relationship ranging from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) consumption to economic growth and a bidirectional causal relationship between long-term and high-causality variables. With the Toda-Yamamoto procedure, unidirectional causality is found to run from economic growth to liquefied petroleum gas consumption. Research limitations/implications These findings imply that an increase in liquefied petroleum gas consumption leads to an increase in economic growth. As a result, supporting energy efficiency policies that aim to reduce liquefied petroleum gas consumption is not an option for Cameroon. Given that LPG consumption shares are still low in Cameroon, the government ought, thus, to increase LPG subsidization, vulgarize and favor policies aimed at encouraging LPG consumption to increase LPG deposits nationwide. This would help increase LPG consumption and consequently could increase economic growth in Cameroon. Originality/value LPG is a fossil fuel and is the less GHG emitter and it is considered as a modern source of energy for cooking in Cameroon households. It scarcity calls on energy policymakers to question the influence LPG consumption could have on economic growth in the short- and long-run. Thus, this paper could contribute to solving the issue of deforestation in Cameroon, especially in the Sahel zone; through the substitution of firewood consumption by LPG consumption in households.

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