Morocco pushes business-friendly image with new budget

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Small Businesses ◽  
Economic Policies ◽  
Foreign Exchange Reserves ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sovereign Bond ◽  
Doing Business ◽  
Special Fund ◽  
The World ◽  
International Investors ◽  
The Government

Significance Morocco’s reputation among international investors as one of the region’s more business-friendly locations has been underlined by a steady rise in the World Bank’s ‘Doing Business’ rankings. The government has sought to reinforce this through the latest budget, including tax cuts for domestic industries. Beyond that, it also includes increases in spending on health and education, as well the creation of a special fund for small businesses. Rabat plans to issue a sovereign bond in the next few weeks to bolster foreign exchange reserves and to finance part of the deficit. Impacts The boost to health and education is in keeping with the king’s recent call for economic policies that will reduce social inequality. The bond issue will offer an acceptable level of risk for most prospective investors. Popular perceptions of a rigged system, despite positive indications of economic performance, may drive further protests.

Politics will undermine Algerian economic policy

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Policy ◽  
Central Bank ◽  
The Political ◽  
Economic Policies ◽  
Foreign Exchange Reserves ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Political Struggles ◽  
International Borrowing ◽  
The Government ◽  
Central Bank Governor

Subject The effect of the sacking of the central bank governor. Significance The Algerian cabinet decided on May 31 to replace the long-serving governor of the central bank, Mohammed Laksaci, with Mohammed Loukal, the CEO of the government-owned Exterior Bank of Algeria. The cabinet did not explain the decision, which was issued in the name of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, but the governor had come under criticism from political figures because of the sharp depreciation of the Algerian dinar, and the erosion of foreign exchange reserves. Impacts Loukal will come under pressure to ease import controls, while defending the dinar. Given weak external accounts, further depreciation of the dinar on the black market is likely, along with further erosion of reserves. The government will soon need to resort to international borrowing, which will bring fresh scrutiny of its economic policies. The central bank governor sacking is most likely related to the political struggles within the establishment on who will succeed Bouteflika.

Somalia faces long road to economic reconstruction

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Private Sector ◽  
Economic System ◽  
Institutional Capacity ◽  
Government Revenue ◽  
Business Sector ◽  
Policy Reforms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Doing Business ◽  
The World ◽  
The Government

Significance Despite the government’s genuine efforts to implement policy reforms, low to non-existent institutional capacity will continue to impede the emergence of a more formalised economic system. Immediate challenges include increasing government revenue and rebuilding the financial sector to support public services and private sector expansion. However, the government will face stiff opposition from the small but powerful unregulated business sector, who want to maintain tax-free operations. Impacts Built-up salary arrears from successive over-optimistic budgets may jeopardise the hard-won security gains needed to reap peace dividends. Agreements by airlines and telecoms to pay taxes could weaken the position of other hitherto uncooperative sectors. Somalia’s last place in the World Bank’s doing business rankings obscures the potential of the vibrant private sector.

Polarisation rises as recovery lags in Argentina

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Buenos Aires ◽  
Economic Policies ◽  
World Economic Forum ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The World ◽  
Regional Meeting ◽  
World Economic ◽  
Near Term ◽  
The Government ◽  
First Time

Significance The strike, held in protest over the government’s economic policies, took place as the World Economic Forum (WEF) held its Latin America regional meeting in Buenos Aires for the first time, and as Macri again tried to attract foreign investment back to Argentina. It came days after April 1 pro-government demonstrations brought out thousands in favour of Macri, which denounced ongoing teachers' strikes and the government of former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, currently facing trial over financial mismanagement and money-laundering. Impacts Macri’s earlier strategy of avoiding the polarisation of recent years appears to be faltering. The CGT leadership is divided but will likely step up pressures as the elections approach. There is no likelihood of a near-term improvement in high levels of poverty.

Indonesia’s new shipping decree would harm business

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Dwell Time ◽  
Crude Palm Oil ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Trade Reforms ◽  
Doing Business ◽  
The World ◽  
Ease Of Doing Business ◽  
The Government ◽  
To Come ◽  
Port Infrastructure

Subject Indonesia's new shipping decree and ease of doing business. Significance Darmin Nasution, the coordinating minister for economic affairs, last month chaired a meeting to discuss strategies for improving Indonesia’s position in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings. Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita announced in February that a new shipping decree requiring Indonesian rather than foreign vessels to export coal and crude palm oil, due to come into effect later this month, would be enforced only after the government and shipping sector were “ready”. Impacts Besides initiating regulatory and trade reforms, Jakarta will seek to reduce bureaucratic obstacles. New customs regulations may help to reduce cargo ships’ ‘dwell time’ in port. Expanding port infrastructure will be key to Indonesia’s vision of being at the fulcrum of a global ‘maritime axis’.

Twitter users exhibited coping behaviours during the COVID-19 lockdown: an analysis of tweets using mixed methods

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruchi Mittal ◽  
Wasim Ahmed ◽  
Amit Mittal ◽  
Ishan Aggarwal
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
The Body ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Twitter Data ◽  
Long Run ◽  
The World ◽  
Twitter Users ◽  
The Government ◽  
Using Data

Purpose Using data from Twitter, the purpose of this paper is to assess the coping behaviour and reactions of social media users in response to the initial days of the COVID-19-related lockdown in different parts of the world. Design/methodology/approach This study follows the quasi-inductive approach which allows the development of pre-categories from other theories before the sampling and coding processes begin, for use in those processes. Data was extracted using relevant keywords from Twitter, and a sample was drawn from the Twitter data set to ensure the data is more manageable from a qualitative research standpoint and that meaningful interpretations can be drawn from the data analysis results. The data analysis is discussed in two parts: extraction and classification of data from Twitter using automated sentiment analysis; and qualitative data analysis of a smaller Twitter data sample. Findings This study found that during the lockdown the majority of users on Twitter shared positive opinions towards the lockdown. The results also found that people are keeping themselves engaged and entertained. Governments around the world have also gained support from Twitter users. This is despite the hardships being faced by citizens. The authors also found a number of users expressing negative sentiments. The results also found that several users on Twitter were fence-sitters and their opinions and emotions could swing either way depending on how the pandemic progresses and what action is taken by governments around the world. Research limitations/implications The authors add to the body of literature that has examined Twitter discussions around H1N1 using in-depth qualitative methods and conspiracy theories around COVID-19. In the long run, the government can help citizens develop routines that help the community adapt to a new dangerous environment – this has very effectively been shown in the context of wildfires in the context of disaster management. In the context of this research, the dominance of the positive themes within tweets is promising for policymakers and governments around the world. However, sentiments may wish to be monitored going forward as large-spikes in negative sentiment may highlight lockdown-fatigue. Social implications The psychology of humans during a pandemic can have a profound impact on how COVID-19 shapes up, and this shall also include how people behave with other people and with the larger environment. Lockdowns are the opposite of what societies strive to achieve, i.e. socializing. Originality/value This study is based on original Twitter data collected during the initial days of the COVID-19-induced lockdown. The topic of “lockdowns” and the “COVID-19” pandemic have not been studied together thus far. This study is highly topical.

The big bath of demonetization in India: strike on black money for corporate governance

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 594-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandeep Goel
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Corporate World ◽  
The World ◽  
Future Improvement ◽  
Policy Measures ◽  
The Government ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to focus on the concept of abolition of black money and the demonetization movement started in India for cleaning black money and its impact on corporate world and Indian economy. It discusses the corporate governance effect of the demonetization scheme and various policy measures taken by the government to unearth and curb the black money in the country. It also states the challenges in its process of implementation and implications for future. Design/methodology/approach It appraises and reviews the concept of demonetization and its process in India since its implementation on November 8, 2016. Findings The biggest positive effects of this move were eradication of stocked and staked up money, cleansing of the financial system and improving governance in India. But its implementation had mix outcomes with its own challenges for future improvement. Practical implications The lessons drawn from the experience are expected to pave way for the countries at large. Originality/value It is an original paper on demonetization in India, and it is hoped that the lessons learnt thereof will pave the way for the world at large.

scholarly journals INVESTMENT SECURITY IN THE SYSTEM OF ECONOMIC SECURITY OF THE STATE

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nataliia Sytnyk ◽  
Veronika Ishchenko
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Direct Investment ◽  
Direct Investment ◽  
Economic Security ◽  
The State ◽  
Fixed Capital ◽  
Investment Climate ◽  
Important Place ◽  
Doing Business ◽  
The World ◽  
The Government

In modern conditions of functioning of the market economy, in the era of development of globalization and globalization processes, the prevalence of international relations, the spread of various forms of international capital movement, in particular foreign direct investment, an important place is occupied by investment activities and policies implemented by the state within the framework of the latter. It is difficult to overestimate the importance and role of investment, because world experience shows that the effective development of business entities, and therefore the country's economy as a whole, cannot be imagined without making investments. Therefore, the government of almost any country in the world is focused on creating a favorable investment climate. The article defines the theoretical foundations of investment security of the state: the essence of the concept is outlined, the principles on which investment security is based, its place and role in the state's economic security system are justified. Qualitative and quantitative criteria for a comprehensive assessment of the state's investment security are presented. The calculation and analysis of the main indicators – quantitative criteria of investment security: gross accumulation of fixed capital; the degree of accumulation of fixed capital; the ratio of the cost of newly introduced fixed assets to the volume of capital investments is carried out; the ratio of net growth of foreign direct investment to GDP; the size of the Ukrainian economy as a percentage of global GDP. The dynamics of the total volume of foreign direct investment in the Ukrainian economy in the context of world countries is analyzed. The main investor countries that ensure the receipt of the largest volumes of investment flows to the Ukrainian economy are identified. Ukraine's place in the World Bank's “Doing Business” rating over the past ten years has been demonstrated. The positive dynamics regarding Ukraine's place in the World Bank's “Doing Business” rating and the main factors that influenced such positive changes were noted. The investment climate of the state is assessed and possible measures are proposed to improve the mechanism of managing the state's investment security.

scholarly journals Organizational and economic features of the functioning of small enterprises of the forest sector of economics and the causes of strengthening the deformation of enterprise activity

2018 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 490-496
Author(s):  
E. A. Kolesnichenko ◽  
Yu. M. Sokolinskaya
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Forest Sector ◽  
Careful Study ◽  
Economic Policies ◽  
Economic Management ◽  
Strategic Resources ◽  
The World ◽  
Reducing Costs ◽  
Regional Budgets

In modern Russian conditions of economic management, it is important to analyze deformations in the development of small business in those sectors of the economy that are strategically important for the development of the economy of the whole country. So, for Russia strategic resources, determining the vector of development of its economy, among others are forestry. This is due to the fact that Russia is the world's largest country with forest resources. It ranks first in the world in terms of forest area and the volume of timber reserves. In addition, the development of entrepreneurship in forestry, including small business, is the most problematic in the current economic conditions. Due to the specific scope and the lack of financial capacity of small businesses in this sector demonstrates the lack of effectiveness in its development, which is reflected in the increase in arrears to the budgets of all levels, increasing the size of the shadow work and others. The results of the survey of small business leaders revealed that businesses can to lead a part of the activity into the shadow, first of all, with the goal of reducing costs. According to the estimates of the World Wide Fund for Nature, the extent of deforestation in the informal sector in Russia is more than 30%, and in the surplus regions up to 59-70%. According to expert estimates, federal and regional budgets are losing every year in this connection from 1 to 1.5 billion rubles. forest payments. The reasons for the deforming activities in small business are inadequate state, legal and economic policies and the lack of effective measures to support small business. This necessitates a more careful study of the implemented instruments of state support for small business in the forest sector of the economy, taking into account the currently existing factors of business deformation.

India’s Kochi Biennale: sponsorship, patronage, and art’s resistance

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-31
Author(s):  
Annamma Joy ◽  
Russell Belk
Keyword(s):  
Contemporary Art ◽  
Art World ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Role Of Government ◽  
International Context ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The World ◽  
The Government ◽  
Financial Power

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the meaning, in both local and international context, of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), the first international exhibit of contemporary art in India. Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF), which administers the KMB, identifies art as a means for transforming society, with a mission to bring global contemporary art to India and to present India’s modern art to the world. The authors further investigate the role of government sponsorship and corporate patronage in funding the KMB, and investigate how resistance through art is key to the KMB’s identity. Design/methodology/approach This study focuses primarily on published materials relating to the KMB. One of the authors attended the 2016 KMB and interviewed fellow attendees. Additionally, the authors reviewed and assessed social media postings regarding the 2016 KMB. Findings The authors argue that government sponsorship and corporate patronage are never solely about political or financial power. Rather, a generalized reciprocity among the three entities – corporations, the government and the artists – allows the KMB to flourish. For the artists involved, the KMB, co-founded by activist artists, sustains interest in and awareness of resistance. Originality/value Extant literature on biennales is sparse on ways in which these exhibits extend their impact beyond the art world. The authors examine issues such as India expanding its position on the world stage through art, and the implications of political resistance embraced by Indian artists on future directions for the KMB, that have heretofore been unaddressed.

scholarly journals Exploration on factors influencing Korean diaspora entrepreneurs’ investment in the homeland

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 338-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Choo-Hui Park ◽  
Hankyu Chu
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Investment Climate ◽  
Business Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Korean Diaspora ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Investment Value ◽  
The World ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Government

Purpose The Government of Korea institutionalized the World Korean Business Convention (WKBC) and the World Korean Business Network (WKBN) to promote Korean diaspora entrepreneurs’ investment in the homeland. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of the WKBC and WKBN and the critical variables affecting them. This paper aims to fill this gap by exploring important variables affecting Korean diaspora entrepreneurs’ investment in the homeland. It also seeks to examine the relationships among these variables to inquire upon a set of critical questions pertaining to Korean diaspora entrepreneurs’ investment in the homeland including the effectiveness of the WKBC and WKBN. Design/methodology/approach To achieve the above purpose, critical variables influencing Korean diaspora entrepreneurs’ investment in the homeland were identified and four hypotheses that include the inquiries pertaining to the effectiveness of the WKBC and WKBN were developed in terms of those variables. The hypotheses were empirically tested using the survey data gathered from the participants of the annual WKBC. Findings The current research found that Korean diaspora entrepreneurs’ evaluation of the investment climate in the homeland was not favorable. The WKBC was positively evaluated by Korean diaspora entrepreneurs willing to make investment, There is discrepancy between expectations of the WKBN’s target group (i.e. Korean diaspora entrepreneurs willing to make investment) and its performance for the group, and there is a difference between ascending and descending Korean diaspora entrepreneurs in assessment of investment value of the homeland. Originality/value A majority of studies on diaspora entrepreneurship and development have so far cast light on ascending diaspora entrepreneurs while neglecting descending diaspora entrepreneurs. In this regard, the most interesting finding of the current study to both researchers and policymakers may be the fact that descending Korean diaspora entrepreneurs assess the investment value of the homeland differently from ascending Korea diaspora entrepreneurs. The finding calls for further research on causes of the difference, and different natures of descending diaspora entrepreneurs compared to those of ascending diaspora entrepreneurs. Such research will enable policymakers to formulate and implement effective strategic diaspora policies that take the differences into consideration.

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