Low growth to dog Salvadoran economy in 2018

Subject El Salvador's economy. Significance Over the last two decades El Salvador has lagged neighbouring countries in economic growth performance. This is not down to a single factor but rather the interaction of a range of political and economic problems that have resulted in insufficient levels of investment. Impacts Low growth will drive up El Salvador’s already high crime rates. Natural disasters are a real threat and could further cripple El Salvador’s prospects. March’s parliamentary elections are unlikely to relieve political paralysis, prolonging structural problems.

Subject Drivers of income inequality. Significance Brazil is one of the most unequal societies in the world, with the wealthiest 0.1% of the population holding a larger share of income than the poorest 50.0%, While extreme poverty was significantly reduced earlier this century, structural inequality has persisted -- and is once again on the rise. Impacts Worsening inequality may boost high crime rates, in turn increasing voter support for far-right candidates. The need to cut spending may increase unemployment and reverse successes in reducing poverty. Limits on public investment will militate against higher private investment and competitivity gains.


Subject Sweden's 2018 budget. Significance The minority government presented its last budget before the September 9 parliamentary elections earlier this month. The budget and its implementation are the government's last chance to emphasise its policy priorities, address problems and appeal to voters at a time when the main opposition party, the Moderates, is recovering in the polls. Impacts The expansive 2018 budget will support economic growth by boosting government investment and consumer spending. The salience of immigration and law and order means policies in these areas are likely to shift to the right after the election. A centre-right government supported by the Sweden Democrats would adopt a more cautious approach to EU integration. The next government will have to build new alliances to offset the loss of the United Kingdom as a key EU ally after Brexit.


Subject Chronic problems in the Belarusian economy. Significance After three years of sluggish growth, the Belarusian economy contracted by 3.9% in 2015, with industrial output, agricultural production and capital investment all in decline. Consumer price index (CPI) inflation was slower than in the previous three years, but remained in double digits. The GDP and inflation data, taken together, reflect structural problems that can only be reversed by comprehensive reforms or external developments, such as higher oil prices. Impacts The need for loans and investment will prompt more accommodating policies towards the West. The gradual shift away from economic dependence on Moscow will undermine this close historical alliance and undermine the Eurasian union. Significant cuts in social spending could create popular discontent. Growing public dissatisfaction could give opposition parties a rare chance to win seats in the September parliamentary elections.


Significance The second quarter will almost certainly be worse. COVID-19 containment measures have hit consumption and investment while a US slowdown in the first half of the year has weighed on exports, tourism and remittances. Hotels and restaurants, transport and construction have suffered the greatest contractions. Impacts Gang violence and related corruption will continue to weigh on foreign investment. Tensions between Bukele and the Legislative Assembly pre-date the health crisis and will endure even if the crisis recedes. Frequent exposure to natural disasters and weak response capacity will continue to hinder economic growth.


1998 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 446-462
Author(s):  
D. Mahadea

This paper critically examines the attainability of the targets set out in the South African Growth, Employment and Redistribution strategy (GEAR). The GEAR document envisaged an economic growth rate of 4.2% per annum, on average, with a rapid expansion of employment over the five-year period ending in 2000. However, actual performance thus far falls short of GEAR projections, except for definite progress towards a reduction of the budget deficit. The current macroeconomic conditions, an over-regulated labour market, prohibitive taxation, low savings and high crime rates make it difficult to stimulate entrepreneurship and attract sufficient investment, especially of a labour absorbing nature, to meet the GEAR projections. The GEAR targets evidently need to be scaled down.


2015 ◽  
pp. 5-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Ulyukaev ◽  
V. Mau

The paper deals with the roots and features of current Russian economic problems, compares 2008-2009 and 2014-2015 crises, factorizes the last one on three main components. The analysis includes the effects of sanctions against Russia on the current economic situation and structural problems that slow economic growth. Special attention is paid to examples of medium-term and long-term steps that can provide sustainable development of Russian economy.


Subject Georgia's better-than-expected economic performance in 2015. Significance Preliminary statistics released on January 29 indicate that the Georgian economy grew by 2.8% last year, following 4.6% growth in 2014. Assuming the headline figure is accurate, it points to a slowdown that is mainly attributable to impacts from economic recession in Russia. Georgian exports fell last year, owing to reduced demand in key markets, and the inflows of remittances sent home by expatriate workers declined. Both these factors contributed to pressure on the lari. Impacts Increased political uncertainty ahead of October parliamentary elections could undermine growth by deterring investors. As economic problems in Azerbaijan and Armenia reduce export opportunities, the search for new markets will intensify. High dollarisation of the banking sector will be a risk as households and businesses find it hard to repay loans.


Subject Outlook for race and politics in South Africa Significance A rash of racially derogatory statements on social media, including by prominent government and business figures, and subsequent outrage is raising concerns that the careful reconciliation process led by former President Nelson Mandela is unwinding. The tensions are a symptom of economic malaise, persistent inequality and the current ANC leadership's disinterest in revising nation-building. Impacts Fears over being accused of racism will cause many business leaders to self-censor, undermining trust between them and government. Concerns over racial tensions coupled with high crime rates and the flagging economy could raise emigration rates. Anger over colonial symbols, eg statues, could lead to their removal, as was the case with the Cecil Rhodes statue in Cape Town. However, it is unlikely to drive inter-racial violence; poor, majority-black shantytowns will remain worst affected by crime and violence.


Significance Japarov rose to power during a period of turmoil and was elected on a promise of delivering swift relief from poverty, the COVID-19 crisis, political instability and external debt. He follows a recent pattern of leaders with undemocratic instincts elected by democratic means, from Hungary to Brazil. Impacts The main losing candidates including Adakhan Madumarov will fail to build a movement against the election results. Japarov's Mekenchil party is expected to perform strongly in May parliamentary elections. Regime consolidation will do nothing to address the many economic problems. As in Hungary, the new strongman may turn on NGOs and other critics as a convenient 'unpatriotic' enemies.


Author(s):  
Hasan Ghura ◽  
Xiaoqing Li ◽  
Arezou Harraf

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework that illustrates how resource-based countries, such as those in the Gulf Cooperation Council, can move their economies towards a more sustainable diversified model, through creating and fostering institutions that are conducive for opportunity entrepreneurship. Design/methodology/approach Several key variables pertaining to formal and informal institutions which impact opportunity entrepreneurship are presented in a conceptual framework based on a comprehensive, non-systematic literature review. Findings Findings from the comprehensive literature review suggest that institutions play a moderating role between opportunity entrepreneurship and economic development. Institutions can stimulate entrepreneur’s behaviour leading to economic growth and subsequently development. Proposals worth pursuing in empirical studies in the future are presented based on the review of the literature. Practical implications This framework offers a model for oil-based countries in resolving structural problems in fostering entrepreneurship when responding to economic challenges. Originality/value The proposed framework in this study takes into consideration a comprehensive set of formal and informal institutional factors, rarely discussed in the existing literature, that link opportunity entrepreneurship and economic growth and development. Insights offered by this study have implications for government policy changes in developing effective institutions.


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