Search results for ""Author Prema-chandra Athukorala""

Motivated by both the growing economic significance of Asia in the global economy and the pivotal role played by Asia-focused research in the enrichment of the subject of development economics, the author has provided a timely and valuable review that provides a comprehensive picture of policy making and economic performance of these countries over the entire post-Second World War era.

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This three-volume set brings together a comprehensive selection of papers on development policy making and economic performance in the five major economies in South Asia - India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka - during the past half a century of the post colonial era. Volume I covers economic conditions at the time of independence, and broader patterns of economic development against the backdrop of policy transition from import-substitution strategy to economic restructuring through liberalisation, and the underlying political economy. The next two volumes are arranged thematically: Volume II covers agriculture and the rural economy, industrialisation and finance and development and Volume III deals with the external dimension of development, population dynamics and human resource development, and poverty and income distribution.The economic debates in South Asia, particularly in India, have been wide-ranging and intellectually stimulating, with active participation of a number of pioneers in development economics. The existing knowledge on a number of key issues, such as the role of development planning, foreign trade regimes and economic development, the political economy of rent-seeking, choice of technology, causes of famines, sex bias in poverty, and poverty and public policy, have been shaped significantly by the South Asian experience. This three-volume set will therefore be a valuable reference not only for the South Asian specialist but also for all students and practitioners in the field of economic development.

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In the light of the Malaysian experience during the Asian financial crisis, this book examines the role of international capital mobility in making countries susceptible to financial crises and the use of capital controls as a crisis management tool. Malaysia provides an interesting case study of this subject given its significant capital market liberalisation prior to the onset of the crisis, and its fundamental shift in crisis management policy in September 1998.The prime focus of the book is on Malaysia's radical policy decision to pursue an independent recovery path, cut off from world markets by a system of capital control, as a viable alternative to the conventional market centred approach. The analysis suggests that, against the initial dire predictions of many economists, the capital controls have actually played a crucial supportive role in crisis management. Whether the controls have played a special role in delivering a superior recovery outcome in Malaysia compared to IMF-program countries remains a point of contention. However, there is strong evidence to suggest that this pragmatic policy choice was instrumental in achieving recovery, while minimising potential economic disruption and related social costs.The book provides an integrated view of the modalities and working of the capital-control based recovery package in the context of a comprehensive survey of macroeconomic management in Malaysia and from a comparative East Asian perspective. It will prove to be of great value to development macroeconomists, monetary and financial economists and students of Malaysian and East Asian development.

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This book takes a fresh look at unresolved issues associated with the role of multinational enterprises and foreign direct investment in economic development in light of the experiences of developing countries in Asia.Each chapter presents a self-contained treatment of a specific theme relating to the developmental implications of MNEs, encompassing the current state of the debate, and relevant theory and policy implications. The key aspects of MNE-development interface covered in the book include expansion of manufacturing exports, global integration through international fragmentation of production, research and development, productivity growth, susceptibility to and recovery from financial crises, macroeconomic adjustment and international competitiveness, and economic transition from plan to market.Multinational Enterprises in Asian Development will prove a valuable reference tool for academics, researchers and students focusing on trade, development and international business. Professional economists and policy makers wishing to broaden their understanding of the role of MNEs as an integral part of the international development policy will also find much to interest them in this book.

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Experience suggests that trade liberalization has contributed substantially to the remarkable growth of industrialised countries. However, for various reasons many developing countries have not yet been able to integrate successfully into global markets and reap the growth-inducing and poverty-reducing benefits of trade. This book argues that while developing countries are heavily represented in the WTO - accounting for about four-fifths of its membership - there is still plenty of scope for the world trading system to work more effectively in their interests.The book examines the achievements of the Uruguay Round of trade negotiations in reforming the world trading system and the challenges to future reforms. It begins with an overview of the genesis of the world trading system and moves on to examine the key issues as they relate to developing countries. These include further liberalization of agricultural trade; abolition of the Multifibre Arrangement; environmental and labour standards; competition policy; regional integration in South East Asia; and the implications for developing Asian countries of the liberalization of the Chinese economy and its WTO membership. Furthermore, the book discusses the links between trade liberalization and poverty reduction - drawing on the experience of Asian countries - and puts forward arguments on how trade liberalization could effect a greater reduction in poverty. This is a timely and succinct presentation of the critical issues relating to the world trading system in the context of developing countries in general, and Asia-Pacific countries in particular. It will interest and inform a wide readership including scholars and students of development and international economics, and practitioners and policymakers concerned with international trade issues and global trade relations.

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This comparative analysis of growth, structural change and labour market dynamics in the Greater Mekong countries (Yunnan Province in China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar) of Southeast Asia is the first of its kind. It explores economic integration and cooperation, the possibilities for improving the functioning of labour markets and facilitating mutually beneficial labour flows in the region.The book begins with a comparative overview of policy reforms, economic performance and structural changes, focusing on economic relations in the Greater Mekong countries. It then examines the salient features of labour market structures and policies, patterns of cross-border migration, and information systems, paying attention to the similarities and differences between countries. It is especially timely in the context of economic transition from socialist systems in the three Indochina countries, the ongoing policy reforms in Yunnan Province and Myanmar, and in light of the Asian financial crisis in shaping growth trends. The analysis yields policy recommendations for improvement in labour market performance.The book will be of great interest to development and labour economists and those working in the field of Asian studies, as well as to policymakers.

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