Search results for ""Author Chandra K. Patel""

Fiscal reforms have been an integral and essential component of the structural adjustment programmes implemented in the least developed countries (LDCs) since the 1980s. The need for fiscal reform in the LDCs was motivated by the accumulation of unsustainable fiscal deficits, constraints on the availability of external finance, the adverse impact of distortionary tax systems on economic efficiency and deficiencies in public administration. Fiscal reform in the LDCs encompassed deficit reduction, the restructuring of the tax system, and the reform of public administration and public expenditures.The empirical research in this volume provides an analysis of the experience of the fiscal reforms carried out since the early 1980s in four different LDCs - Bangladesh, The Gambia, Malawi and the United Republic of Tanzania. The case studies examine the nature and budgetary impact of the fiscal reforms in these countries, assess the extent to which reforms have achieved their objectives and discuss the major obstacles to the success of fiscal reform. The empirical studies are supplemented by a chapter outlining the contribution which economic theory can make to the design of optimal tax and expenditure systems in developing countries and to the implementation of fiscal reforms. An overview chapter, which also serves as an introduction to the volume, discusses the reasons why LDCs have embarked on fiscal reforms, summarizes the salient findings of the country case studies and assesses the lessons which can be learnt from these empirical studies.

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Trade Diversification in the Least Developed Countries examines the success of the least developed countries (LDCs) in implementing trade reforms to encourage trade diversification and considers what further policy reforms might be required to achieve this objective.The book begins with an overview examining the reasons why trade diversification is imperative for the LDCs, and provides a summary of the empirical evidence at regional and national level. It then assesses the impact of trade policy reform on trade diversification in Africa in general. The remaining chapters consist of a variety of country case studies including Bangladesh, Mozambique, Uganda, Haiti, Niger and Lao PDR. In conclusion it discusses the Uruguay Round in relation to trade diversification, its possible implications and adverse effects.The book will be essential to students of development studies, development economics and international economics. It will also be important for policy makers, officials and researchers in the developing countries.

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