bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To Bind or Not to Bind: A Fiscal Policy Dilemma in the Caribbean
Authors: Khan Sarosh R. , Ruprah Inder J.
Published: March 2024

Given that the Caribbean region remains open to external vulnerabilities, fiscal policy is a critical tool in managing debt sustainability. But since fiscal outcomes have been persistently poor in the region, it is important to assess the appropriateness of fiscal rules as a device to impose fiscal discipline. This Policy Brief juxtaposes the historical fiscal outcomes against political outcomes to show that the current system is not functioning. It then develops a case for introducing fiscal rules over time but argues that a slow and deliberate movement to creating and implementing such rules may be the best approach for the Caribbean countries. However, it also points out the introduction of adjustment programs may also represent opportunities to quicken such implementation.
Fiscal Procyclicality and Output Forecast Errors: Bad Luck or Bad Decisions?
Authors: Vuletin Guillermo , Avellán Leopoldo
Published: March 2024

Government spending in the developing world has historically been procyclical. Traditional explanations for this have mostly revolved around the explicit or implicit notion that fiscal procyclicality is the deliberate result of political economy distortions and weak institutions. Because of revisions in output growth forecasts around the world since the global financial crisis, two recent explanations in the literature have gained increasing support: (i) over-optimism in output forecasts as a cause of procyclicality, and (ii) real-time data, as opposed to ex-post data, as an explanation for policymakers¿ intended responses to output fluctuations, which in practice tend to deliver less procyclical intentions than reliance on ex-post data. This study revisits the implications of output forecast errors on fiscal procyclicality in light of these two recent strands in the literature. For this study, a simple conceptual framework was developed and empirical evidence presented using output forecasts for 101 countries. The results showed that: (i) over-optimism is neither necessary nor sufficient to explain fiscal procyclicality, and (ii) there is no reason to accept the interpretation that forecast errors have -unfortunate- systematic effects on fiscal procyclicality. Traditional political economy arguments help explain how governments handle unanticipated output fluctuations.
Brexit and the Caribbean: Much Ado About Nothing?
Authors: Ruprah Inder J. , Khadan Jeetendra
Published: March 2024

This report estimates the direct and indirect macroeconomic impact of the Brexit leave vote on the Caribbean during 2016 and 2017 in terms of economic growth, exports, tourism, and remittances. We consider six Caribbean countries (denominated as C6): The Bahamas, Barbados and Jamaica (tourism-based), and Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago (commodity-based). We find the estimated quantitative impact of Brexit(v) to be very small if not negligible.
Memorias Taller Modelos de Atención a la Primera Infancia: Lecciones de Política para la Región Andina
Authors:   Inter American Development Bank,   Ministerio de Coordinación de Desarrollo Social
Published: March 2024

Por iniciativa del Ministerio de Coordinación de Desarrollo Social de Ecuador y con el auspicio del BID, entre el 19 y 21 de julio de 2010 se desarrolló en la localidad de Puembo, Ecuador, un taller sobre los Modelos de atención a la Primera Infancia para la Región Andina.
Una evaluación del vínculo entre comercio y pobreza en América Latina
Authors: Giordano Paolo , Florez Victoria
Published: March 2024

Esta investigación pretende cubrir esta brecha repasando la literatura relevante sobre los efectos distributivos de la liberalización comercial en América Latina. Más específicamente, el trabajo se centra en los impactos del comercio sobre el crecimiento, el empleo, las disparidades salariales y la pobreza. Los métodos macro se concentran en la comparación entre países con el objetivo de evaluar el impacto del comercio sobre el crecimiento y sus efectos en la distribución del ingreso y la pobreza a nivel nacional.
La cooperación Sur-Sur emergente de Busan: ¿Retórica coyuntural o resultado de la fortaleza económica de los países emergentes?
Authors: Tres Joaquim
Published: March 2024

El IV Foro de Eficacia de la Ayuda de Busan representó una pluralidad de enfoques y donantes sin precedentes en la arquitectura internacional de la cooperación para lograr los objetivos compartidos del desarrollo. En particular, surgió con fuerza la ventaja comparativa de la cooperación Sur-Sur (CSS) como modalidad innovadora para hacer frente a los desafíos del desarrollo y como complemento a la cooperación tradicional, pero muchos se preguntan si se trata solamente de una retórica coyuntural de los países emergentes o, por el contrario, es el resultado directo del vigoroso desempeño económico y social, una pujante inversión directa, unos flujos comerciales, una Ayuda Oficial al Desarrollo (AOD) Sur-Sur que van en aumento y la correspondiente arquitectura institucional. En este contexto, Busan representó también la confirmación de un mundo multipolar en el que emerge un consenso sobre la necesidad de la pluralidad de enfoques para avanzar en el desarrollo, en la reducción de la pobreza y de las desigualdades. Este documento de análisis examina estas variables y concluye que la CSS no es solo retórica coyuntural porque es el producto del crecimiento sostenido de los países emergentes, está vinculada al crecimiento de la inversión, comercio, AOD e institucionalidad Sur-Sur; aspectos que en su conjunto han contribuido a la nueva narrativa de la cooperación para el desarrollo más incluyente.
Guatemala y el camino al crecimiento: Una revisión del diagnóstico
Authors: López de Mesa Paloma , Armendáriz Edna , De León Wendy
Published: March 2024

Este documento aplica el marco analítico de diagnóstico de crecimiento para identificar las restricciones más activas que impiden un crecimiento económicomás acelerado en Guatemala y su convergencia con los niveles de ingreso de otros países de la región. La evidencia muestra que el aumento de la inseguridad, así como también las debilidades (y el deterioro) del contexto institucional, especialmente en lo que atañe al cumplimiento de la ley, la corrupción, la rendición de cuentas y algunas áreas del marco burocrático para hacer negocios parecen ser la restricción más activa para el crecimiento económico. También se encontraron muy bajos niveles de capital humano; la falta de salud y educación es un obstáculo central que limita la inversión y el desempeño económico. Los déficits de capital humano son más graves en el caso de las mujeres, la población indígena y las áreas rurales. El diagnóstico muestra que los altos costos de la energía, y la baja cobertura de electricidad y saneamiento en el área rural constituyen una restricción importante. Asimismo, el análisis revela que la calidad del transporte vial se ha deteriorado debido a la falta de mantenimiento. Finalmente, el documento presenta algunas recomendaciones de política para acelerar y sostener el crecimiento económico de Guatemala.
Productividad total de los factores en Honduras: Diagnóstico y posibles determinantes
Authors: Quijada José Alejandro , Sierra José David
Published: March 2024

A pesar de contar con altos niveles de inversión, Honduras presentabajos niveles de crecimiento. Esto puede deberse a limitaciones de orden productivo. A partir de la metodología de contabilidad del crecimiento, analizamos la evolución de la productividad total de los factores (PTF) para el período 1978-2012. Nuestros resultados indican que el bajo crecimiento observado es explicado, en parte, por contribuciones negativas de productividad. Asimismo, un análisis sectorial de la PTF para el período 2003-2012, demuestra que seis de los nueve principales sectores de la economía hondureña operan con bajos niveles de productividad. A su vez esta baja productividad sectorial estaría asociada tanto a limitaciones estructurales del propio sistema productivo, como a carencias en la provisión de bienes públicos.
Financial Instruments and Mechanisms for Climate Change Programs in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Guide for Ministries of Finance
Authors: Peters Sophia , Rios Ana R. , Meirovich Hilen
Published: March 2024

Developing countries could receive international climate financing through diverse resource streams (private investment, traditional development aid, dedicated national funds, carbon markets, etc.), but it is fragmented both in terms of its source as well as its destination (various line ministries, general budget support, national implementing agencies, private sector, etc.). Additionally, application processes vary both in length and requirements. It is more effective and politically tenable for countries to centralize their climate change portfolios, both financially within the Ministries of Finance, and policy wise in a national climate change program.
Applying Behavioral Tools to the Design of Health Projects
Authors: Luoto Jill , Sánchez Mario , Stampini Marco , Cali Jonathan , Pinto Diana M. , Guanais Frederico C. , Ibarrarán Pablo , Carman Katherine Grace
Published: March 2024

This technical note discusses how behavioral economics insights can be used to enhance the design of health interventions, with emphasis on those addressing non-communicable diseases, by promoting behavioral changes. These interventions are neither sophisticated nor costly, and are particularly suited for cases in which individuals are seemingly not making rational choices about their health. The main contribution of this note is the attempt to orient non-expert practitioners in the analysis of the problem and design of the intervention. For this purpose, we provide a novel framework to map common behavioral biases and barriers that have limited the success of traditional interventions (i.e., bounded rationality, bounded willpower, and bounded selfishness) to the most promising solutions identified in the existing literature (e.g., framing, commitment contracts, and social incentives).
Thinking Outside the Box: Arguments for IADB's Involvement in the Preservation and Development of Heritage
Authors: Galvani Marina
Published: March 2024

This paper discusses the role of culture in development through suggestions, speculations, and case studies from several parts of the world. Most of the cases have been collected through interviews, brain storming, intense discussions, collegial laughs, and open doubts. This paper compliments Thinking outside the Box: Strategies and Examples for in the Preservation and Development of Heritage.
Beleid en Bestuur in Suriname
Authors: Martin Dougal
Published: March 2024

This study, which is in Dutch, surveys governance issues in Suriname. It looks at the Constitution, the National Assembly, the executive branch of government (particularly the civil service and budgetary management), the justice sector, local government, civil society and corruption. The study concludes that deficiencies in governance have adversely affected Suriname's economic and social development and that the quality of governance in many areas will have to improve if better development outcomes are to be achieved.
Self-Assessment, Filing, Payment, and the Examination Process in the United States
Authors: Pearlman Ronald A.
Published: March 2024

This paper discusses the organization of the Internal Revenue Service, which is responsible for administering of the federal tax system in the United States. It also provides information on the assessment system and taxpayer services, as well as the audit process, appeals and collection processes.
Financing Agricultural Value Chains in Central America
Authors: Campion Anita , Wenner Mark D. , Coon Jeremy
Published: March 2024

Agricultural value chain financing (VCF) is an emerging phenomenon in the region but it is not well studied. Historically, small- and medium-sized famers experience problems accessing formal finance. Participation in a well-structured and dynamic supply chain seems to improve chances of obtaining financing, either directly from larger more liquid agents in the same chain or indirectly from external formal lenders based on the type of relationships and degrees of connectedness in the chain (advance sale contracts, technical assistance agreements, length of transaction history, etc.). Four value chains were studied in Nicaragua (diary and plantains) and Honduras (plantains and horticulture, sweet peppers and tomatoes specifically) to discover how and under what terms and conditions financing was being provided and to understand the challenges in expanding the use of this type of financing. The main findings are (i) VCF is occurring in Nicaragua and Honduras, but it is mostly indirect; (ii) the specific instruments used to support VCF are simple¿lead firm vouching for and even providing guarantees for smaller actors, relying on donor financed guarantee funds, and buyer/exporter finance; (iii) creditor rights are weak in both countries; (iv) financial institutions that are participating in VCF are not lowering interest rates despite fewer risks faced; (v) the legacy of inappropriate government interventions, namely debt forgiveness programs, and generally weak support services for producers dampens the enthusiasm of formal financial intermediaries to expand agricultural lending; and (vi) high quality technical assistance is serving as an accelerant and facilitating VCF, but it is donor financed and it is important to find ways to sustain this intervention over time.
Natural Disasters Financial Risk Management : Technical and Policy Underpinnings for the Use of Disaster-Linked Financial Instruments in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Andersen Torben , Marcel Mario , Durante Juan José , Focke Kurt S. , Collich Guillermo J.
Published: March 2024

The Latin American and Caribbean region is highly exposed to natural disasters. The social and economic impact of these events has been historically very significant and it is showing an increasingly growing trend. During the first quarter of 2010, this unfortunate reality was evidenced with the Haiti and Chile earthquakes. Preliminary impact assessments indicate that the powerful January 2010 Port-au-Prince earthquake killed more than 225,000 people and caused damages and losses of about US$8 billion dollars (about 120 percent of last year GDP). This technical note presents the current Inter-American Development Bank Strategic Approach to catastrophe risk financing and discusses the technical and economic underpinnings for the proposed disaster-linked financial instruments. The paper considers the accumulated stock of knowledge about disaster risk management over the past decade and discusses how it is being deployed effectively in the region by the Bank.
Assessing the Impacts of Intellectual Property Rights on Trade Flows in Latin America
Authors: Blyde Juan S.
Published: March 2024

The protection of intellectual property has been a subject of great contention between developed and developing countries in recent years. Although the Agreement on TRIPs was signed by the members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) during the Uruguay Round of trade negotiations, its provisions are still viewed with animosity by many developing countries. A complete evaluation of the net effects of the TRIPs agreement in developing countries would require a broad assessment of all the costs and benefits described above. This is a formidable task that goes beyond the scope of this paper. Here, we concentrate on a rather small task and analyze the effects of IPRs over the flows of international trade flows, particularly to Latin America. As stated above, trade flows, and especially, flows of high-technology goods can be a source of technology diffusion. In that sense, exploring whether the international flows of high-technology goods are sensitive to IPRs protection in Latin America can be useful if one would like to consider the appropriateness of using intellectual property as a tool to promote technology diffusion throughout the region. Section II presents a brief theoretical background on the relationship between IPRs and trade flows. After a brief review of the empirical literature, Section III describes the data, the econometric model and the results. This section also provides some insights and potential implications of the main findings. Finally, Section IV concludes.
Barbados: Trade and Integration as a Strategy for Growth
Authors: Vignoles Christopher , Jessen Anneke
Published: March 2024

Barbados is a small, open island economy with one of the highest trade/GDP ratios in the Western Hemisphere. Because trade plays such a dominant role in the Barbadian economy, it also substantially determines the country¿s development prospects. Exports are particularly important in this respect: export income is needed to create and sustain jobs, to finance imports, to pay off foreign debt, and to maintain a healthy balance in the country¿s external accounts, all of which is necessary to achieve sustainable levels of economic growth. Successful international insertion, through trade facilitation and related measures, should therefore be a central aim of the Bank¿s support strategy for Barbados, particularly at a time when the country is facing the rapid erosion of trade preferences long enjoyed by its exporters in major world markets.
CARICOM Report No. 2 (2005)
Authors: Vignoles Christopher , Jessen Anneke
Published: March 2024

Economic growth in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has been slow in the last two decades, averaging just 1.8 percent a year, compared to annual growth of 3.5 percent in the world economy and 4.3 percent in developing countries. Growth has varied considerably among CARICOM¿s 15 member states, but in most countries it has slowed over the years. The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), for example, witnessed above-average growth of 5.4 percent a year in the period 1984-1994, but only 3.3 percent in 1994-1999, and only 1.2 percent in 1999-2004. Of the remaining CARICOM countries, only four have seen accelerated growth in recent years. Unemployment rates are high throughout the region, particularly among younger workers. Apart from slow growth and high unemployment, CARICOM countries face many other problems, among them a high prevalence and rising incidence of HIV/AIDS infections; persistent poverty in several countries of the region; high rates of drug abuse, violence and crime linked to the narcotics trade; and recurring devastation caused by hurricanes and other natural disasters. Meanwhile, the world economy is changing rapidly, requiring huge efforts among the small Caribbean countries to adjust to change while continuing to pursue growth and development.
Designing Impact Evaluations for Agricultural Projects
Authors: Winters Paul , Maffioli Alessandro , Salazar Lina
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this guideline is to provide suggestions on designing impact evaluations for agricultural projects, particularly projects that directly target farmers, and seek to improve agricultural production, productivity and profitability. Specific issues in evaluating agricultural projects are addressed, including the need to use production-based indicators and to carefully consider indirect or spillover effects that are common in agricultural projects.
Enabling Environments?: Facing a Spontaneous or Incubating Stage
Authors: Orozco Manuel
Published: March 2024

Analysis in four Central American and Caribbean countries (El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Guatemala) of the government involvement in promoting an enabling environment conducive to economic exchange between immigrants residing in the United States and their homeland.
Foreign Exchange Risk and Microfinance Institutions: A Discussion of the Issues
Authors: Holden Paul , Holden Sarah
Published: March 2024

As the MFI industry matures, the necessity of dealing with foreign exchange risk becomes more urgent. Identifying possible solutions to foreign currency risk before they become a critical priority will give MFIs more options in the future.
Investing in Microfinance: Making Money, Making a Difference
Authors: Miller-Sanabria Tomas C. , Narita Tetsuro
Published: March 2024

The third in the MIF Retrospectives series, this paper takes a look at how microfinance has grown in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as MIF¿s pivotal role in strengthening microfinance institutions and promoting investment in microfinance funds.
Making Business Development Work: Lessons from the Enterprise Development Center in Rafaela, Argentina
Authors: Oldsman Eric
Published: March 2024

This article examines the Enterprise Development Center (EDC) Rafaela-Esperanza's operating efficiency, financial self-sufficiency, coverage, and effectiveness. In general, EDCs must balance generating revenues, achieving market penetration and producing positive impacts for small manufacturers.
MERCOSUR Report No. 3 (1997)
Authors:   Inter American Development Bank
Published: March 2024

During 1997, MERCOSUR countries again experienced both an acceleration in their economic growth rates and a reduction in inflation rates. This favorable performance was accompanied by an improved fiscal position and the stabilization of real exchange rates. Given that exchange policies in MERCOSUR countries play a central role as inflation-control instruments, the stabilization or improvement of real exchange rates is good news for the future development of external disequilibria. This is a particularly important issue given the recent deterioration in the current account balances of all member countries.
MERCOSUR Report No. 6 (1999-2000)
Authors:   Inter American Development Bank
Published: March 2024

Although the leaders of the four member countries repeatedly affirmed their complete faith in the integration process, the outlook for MERCOSUR has been uncertain and gloomy as a result of Brazil¿s modification of the exchange regime in mid-January 1999, the negative effects of the fall in commodity prices, and the severe recession affecting Argentina and Brazil since the end of last year.
Microscope on the Microfinance Business Environment in Latin America and the Caribbean 2008
Authors:   Economist Intelligence Unit
Published: March 2024

A dynamic qualitative scoring model, constructed from 13 indicators that measure specific attributes of the environment for microfinance across 20 Latin American and Caribbean countries. In the second year of the Microscope on the Microfinance Business Environment in Latin America and the Caribbean (the Microscope), the 15 countries from the first year of the study¿Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela¿are again included. To give the index a broader regional scope, five new countries from Central America and the Caribbean¿Costa Rica, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica and Panama¿were added this year. This wider lens, along with shifts in the microfinance environment in individual countries, yielded many changes in the rankings, ultimately providing a deeper and more complete assessment of the industry in the region.
Monografía FOMIN sobre Remesas
Authors:   Inter American Development Bank,   Analistas Financieros Internacionales
Published: March 2024

Consultoria realizada por Analistas Financieros Internacionales para Fondo Multilateral de Inversiones sobre: Flujos de remesas a América Latina: Características del mercado de remesas y sus actores principales. Aspectos regulatorios relevantes para facilitar el rol de las remesas como instrumento de desarrollo. Descripción de la cartera de proyectos FOMIN y su nueva estrategia en el Cluster de Remesas.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Vernon John A. , Angeles Gustavo , Handa Ashu , Bernal Raquel , Giuffrida Antonio , Larrea Carlos , Rodríguez Wong Laura , Cárdenas Mauricio , Trujillo Antonio J. , Mayer-Foulkes David
Published: March 2024

There is increasing awareness that race and ethnicity play an important role in the poverty and social marginalization of Latin American and Caribbean populations.
Remittance Sender and Receivers: Tracking the Transnational Channels
Authors:   Pew Hispanic Center,   Bendixen and Amandi,   Inter American Development Bank
Published: March 2024

Results and analysis of a poll of major remittance recipients and senders (Ecuador, Mexico and Central America)
The Caribbean Community: Facing the Challenges of Regional and Global Integration
Authors: Rodríguez Ennio , Jessen Anneke
Published: March 2024

On 4 July 1998, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary. CARICOM is one of the oldest integration schemes in the Western Hemisphere, the largest in terms of membership, yet by far the smallest in economic and geographic terms. In the wake of its historic anniversary, many have reflected on the Community's past achievements and future prospects. Has CARICOM served the development goals of its member states? Will it assist them in pursuing those goals into the next century? How can regional integration facilitate CARICOM's successful insertion into the global economy? The aim of this study is to answer those questions and, in doing so, to contribute to the ongoing debate on the future of CARICOM. With some exceptions, CARICOM economies have either stagnated or grown very slowly, and high unemployment has become chronic. Despite important policy changes, export diversification has been limited and insufficient for generating satisfactory growth rates. Size constraints have always hampered the potential for growth based on domestic markets and intra-CARICOM trade; decreased protectionism makes the size limitations even more evident. The region's overall export performance has been unsatisfactory despite privileged market access conditions. Today those conditions are becoming less favorable. Foreign aid, a key contributor to development in past decades, is also diminishing. CARICOM is clearly at a crossroads. Chapter I provides a general overview of the Caribbean Community, key features of its economies and the challenges facing the region on the eve of the new millenium. Chapter II offers an overview of the regional integration process, including progress on intra-regional trade liberalization, the deepening and the widening of CARICOM. Chapter III examines the external challenges facing the region today, particularly as regards its trade relations with Europe, the United States, Canada and Latin America. Chapter IV examines key areas of the services sector, both in terms of enhancing the region's export potential and supporting the establishment of a functioning single market. Chapter V briefly examines the Community's institutional structure, outlining existing bottlenecks to the effective design, implementation and enforcement of common policies. Chapter VI provides an analytical justification for promoting integration and cooperation initiatives in the region, and suggests a number of actions that could be taken to enhance the development prospects of CARICOM. The study argues that despite the limited contribution of regional integration efforts to economic development in the region so-far, integration can play a beneficial role if pursued under the right framework and with the right instruments.
The Entrance to the European Union of 10 New Countries: Consequences for the Relations with MERCOSUR
Authors: Flôres Jr. Renato G.
Published: March 2024

The impact of the May 2004 enlargement is not, in overall terms, something to worry MERCOSUR decision makers and economic agents. However, this globally non-menacing picture raises, at a closer look, a few concerns demanding pre-emptive policy measures. We shall separate the concerns into five categories, close to the project¿s main questions: concerning the impact of the enlargement on the European (15) market; concerning MERCOSUR gains in the enlarged European market; concerning the new entrants gains in the MERCOSUR market; concerning the effects on the "agricultural knot"; the enlargement and distorting effects of the EU-MERCOSUR agreement.
The Free Trade Area of the Americas and MERCOSUR-European Union Free Trade Processes: Can They Learn Something from Each Other?
Authors: Devlin Robert
Published: March 2024

The FTAA process itself has already generated important positive externalities for the hemisphere and the multilateral system. It has provided a regular forum in which 34 countries'; trade delegations have gotten to personally know each other better on a first name basis. This increasing personal espirit des corps not only has enhanced the FTAA process, but has also provided a new stage for resolving bilateral trade issues and undertaking new initiatives. Since the baseline for the FTAA is the WTO disciplines, FTAA meetings have been a learning laboratory for many delegations regarding the complex Uruguay Round obligations and other areas not yet contained therein (e.g., Competition Policy and mechanisms for communication with Civil Society). The Preparatory Stage also generated many comparative databases and inventories on trade-related issues among the 34, increasing intergovernmental transparency in trade relations. Moreover, thanks to the release of most of this information to the public, this transparency has been transmitted to private markets as well. Independently of whether an FTAA is actually realized in 2005, it has steady marched forward to date. The success raises the question about whether there are lessons for other ambitious transcontinental, or interregional, trade initiatives. More specifically, are there lessons for the just initiated MEU trade negotiations? Alternatively, are there possible lessons from the MEU approach for the FTAA process? The purpose of this paper is to preliminarily address these questions. There are serious limitations to doing so, however. First, the FTAA process is relatively advanced with more than 5 years of intense work behind it, yet it is still very incomplete and it remains to be seen whether the ultimate objective of a free trade area (FTA) is achieved. Meanwhile, the MEU negotiations have just begun in earnest. Hence, the evaluation of the former is based on an advanced process with incomplete outcomes, while the evaluation of the latter is based on only very initial steps of a process. The economic and political contexts of the two negotiation processes are quite different as well.
The Future Trends and Patterns of Remittances to Latin America
Authors: Orozco Manuel
Published: March 2024

Transnational communities linking homes and countries, development, family remittances, tourism, transportation, telecommunication, and nostalgic trade
The Potential Impact of Remittances on the Regional Economy
Authors:   Bendixen and Amandi,   Inter American Development Bank
Published: March 2024

Research on the impact of cash remittances on the developing economies of Latin American and Caribbean countries.
The Production and Financing of Regional Public Goods
Authors: Tanzi Vito
Published: March 2024

The concept of public good, as defined by Musgrave, Samuelson, and others, was also largely a nationally based concept. As in the classic case of defense spending, the public good was assumed to benefit the population of a country; however, because of two technical characteristics (mainly the difficulty of excluding from the benefits that it provides those who do not pay for it; and the fact that, unlike private goods, adding other beneficiaries to the use of the public good does not reduce the benefits to current beneficiaries) it had to be financed by the government. No private individual would have the incentive to provide it.
Toward the Mainstream: Currents and Dynamics of Remittances to Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Orozco Manuel
Published: March 2024

Analysis of the relationship between remittances and the local economies in Central America, with special attention to Nicaragua and Guatemala. It also provides some policy recommendations to leverage and mitigate the impact of remittances.
Operaciones extrapresupuestarias: Informe
Authors: Jul Ana María
Published: March 2024

Este documento constituye el informe elaborado bajo la consultoría sobre operaciones extrapresupuestarias que se realizó por encargo del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo para la reunión de la Red de Gestión y Transparencia de la Política Pública: Efectividad en el desarrollo y gestión presupuestaria por resultados, que tuvo lugar en Washington D.C. el 8y 9 de mayo de 2006. El objetivo de la consultoría fue elaborar un diagnóstico y proponer recomendaciones respecto de los esquemas y mecanismos de la planeación, implementación, programación, presupuestación y evaluación de los gastos extrapresupuestarios y los gastos fiscales de cuatro países de la región. La consultoría involucró un cuestionario enviado a los países sobre el tema e incluyó visitas a los cuatro países: Brasil, Chile, Ecuador y México.
Suriname: Health Sector Assessment
Authors: Eichler Rena
Published: March 2024

This study assesses the health sector in Suriname, with the goal of assisting policy makers to develop a better understanding of problems and to propose a range of solutions. This study presents the analytical framework used to assess the health sector, reviews the major findings, and presents key recommendations. The focus is on the complex inter-relationships between the major actors in the health sector: policy leaders, consumers, providers, and payers. This market-oriented framework was chosen because the health system in Suriname is comprised of relatively autonomous providers and institutions, both private and public. Emphasis is placed on the way hospitals, individual providers, and consumers respond to the incentives they face and the resulting implications for equity, efficiency, and cost escalation.
Economic Integration and Location of Production Activities: The Case of Mercosur
Authors: Volpe Martincus Christian , Sanguinetti Pablo , Traistaru Iulia
Published: March 2024

This research aims at answering the following questions: How do specialization patterns look like in member countries of Mercosur and how have they evolved over time? How do concentration patterns look like and how have they evolved over time? What are the main determinants of locational patterns? Did Mercosur have an impact on location of economic activities? What are the consequences for the smaller countries? Do we see production clusters? We analyse specialization, concentration, and locational patterns in Mercosur using production value data for the period 1971-1998. We identify the determinants of those patterns during the period 1985-1998 using econometric techniques. In addition, we calculate intraindustry trade statistics within Mercosur and with the Rest of the World for the period 1986-2001 in order to investigate the formation of clusters and uncover their determinants. We complement this analysis with a brief description of production developments in border regions with the purpose of determining whether this phenomenon has a specific spatial dimension. Finally, we draw some conclusions about the implications for smaller countries within the bloc and some lessons for upcoming trade initiatives such as a deepening of integration within the region, the establishment of FTAA, and a free trade agreement with the European Union.
Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) and the Rural Economies of Central America: A Conceptual Framework for Policy and Program Recommendations
Authors: Winters Paul , Todd Jessica , Arias Diego
Published: March 2024

The net benefits of CAFTA and their distribution among sectors of the economy and social groups are major concerns of policy makers in Central America. The objective of the Bank's support to Central America is to assist in the design of policies that maximize total net benefits while improving the welfare of the poorer segments of society, the majority of whom reside in rural areas. The purpose of this study is to provide a conceptual framework in order to identify policies that will meet these objectives. It is important to note that CAFTA has not been ratified yet by all congresses of the signatory countries, but throughout this paper we assume that all will ratify CAFTA as it stands today.
Restoring the Competitiveness of the Coffee Sector in Haiti
Authors: Arias Diego , Damais Gilles , Brearley Emily
Published: March 2024

This paper deals with the coffee industry in Haiti. Coffee has traditionally played a unique role in rural Haiti, in economic, social and environmental terms. However, the competitiveness of the coffee sector of Haiti has been declining over recent years due to a combination of external and domestic factors. This study analyses the current situation and the opportunities and challenges presented for improving the competitiveness of the coffee sector in Haiti in a sustainable manner. It presents a public policy framework to guide the public support and interventions. It concludes that support should be provided to help the coffee sector supply chain reap the potential benefits from new market opportunities, protect key environmental services in upper watersheds, and set an example for other agriculture and rural productive activitiesin Haiti.
Indigenous Peoples and Maroons in Suriname
Authors: Kambel Ellen-Rose
Published: March 2024

This study provides a concise analysis of the current challenges facing Indigenous and Maroon communities in Suriname and provides recommendations for possible Bank support. Despite the paucity of data and statistical information related to these groups, the findings suggest that the extreme geographical challenges and social exclusion experienced by the Indigenous and Maroon communities have affected negatively their general levels of social and economic development. Thus, the study recommends addressing some core regulatory gaps: land tenure, legal frameworks and regulations, and improving social indicators. This note includes: a description and analysis of the issues related to the current socio-economic and legal status of indigenous peoples and maroons; analysis of the Bank's existing portfolio and the portfolio of other international donors; analysis of consultation processes being developed with these groups; and policy recommendations regarding how to address the most important issues that affect these communities.
Fisheries Management in the Galapagos Marine Reserve: A Bioeconomic Perspective
Authors: Conrad Jon , Nøstbakken Linda , Stone Steven , Franklin Henrik , Viteri César
Published: March 2024

Despite numerous efforts and a large investment by the Ecuadorian Government and the international community, fishery management in Galapagos remains highly conflictive and essentially ineffective. Levels of mistrust and lack of communication have eroded the governance mechanisms in place to resolve conflicts over competing uses in the Reserve. In an effort to provide new information and analytical content into the policy debate regarding fisheries management in the marine reserve, the authors of this paper developed this research utilizing an economic approach to regulating use of the primary commercial fisheries in Galapagos. In particular, the objective of this study is to determine the optimal harvest, escapement, and fishing effort for the small-scale fishing fleet of the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR). In this study, the focus of attention is the two most important fisheries: the sea cucumber (pepino de mar, or "pepino") and the spiny red lobster. The authors base their analysis on a stochastic discrete time bioeconomic model developed by Reed (1979).
Agricultural Support Policies and Programs in Central America and Dominican Republic in Light of Trade Liberalization
Authors: Arias Diego
Published: March 2024

This analysis points to the need to rethink the structure of current agricultural support policies and programs in Central America and the Dominican Republic, given the heavy reliance on price supports and the steps to liberalize trade to be undertaken in accordance with the various trade agreements with the United States. The study undertakes the first systematic analysis of estimates of agricultural support policies and programs in Central America and the Dominican Republic, based on the standard OECD methodology for measuring agricultural supports. This analysis aims to enable policy makers to look forward in the implementation of transition policies and programs for the agricultural sector in light of trade liberalization.
Economic Growth in the Southern Cone
Authors: Blyde Juan S. , Fernández-Arias Eduardo
Published: March 2024

This paper examines the growth experiences of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay (Southern Cone countries). The analysis sheds light on the strengths and weaknesses of long-run growth of these countries by identifying similarities and differences with other countries and assesses their economic performance on that comparative basis. In order to analyze how satisfactory the development process in the Southern Cone countries has been over the past 40 years it is important to make comparisons with relevant countries. To tackle this issue, we focus on the per-capita economic growth rate and its contributing factors, comparing the experience in Southern Cone countries with that of benchmark countries, namely a typical country of the rest of Latin America (LAC), of the rest of the world outside Latin America (ROW) and of its subset of developed countries (DEV).
Analysis of Project Evaluability Year 2001
Authors:   Inter American Development Bank
Published: March 2024

In the course of the last few years, the Bank has assigned greater importance to the evaluation of the outcomes of its investments in the region of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). This study on the Bank's lending program was conducted to examine project "evaluability," meaning the degree to which the projects are defined such that, once they are complete, they can be evaluated and demonstrate their effectiveness in addressing the development problems and challenges faced by the borrowing countries. Its findings are intended to illuminate problems affecting the evaluability of Bank operations, identify areas for improvement and develop a baseline that can be used to track the Bank's progress in the future. Therefore, there was no baseline for the exercise and the findings of the study were intended to affect, principally, the design of future operations.
Evaluation of MIF Projects: Alternative Commercial Dispute Resolution Methods
Authors:   Inter American Development Bank
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this evaluation is to examine the results obtained in the portfolio of alternative commercial dispute resolution (ADR) projects of the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF). As conceived by the MIF, ADR projects are intended to promote the use of arbitration and mediation as alternative mechanisms for settling disputes (mainly disputes of a commercial nature). The ADR portfolio was established to mitigate the shortfall in justice services and to improve the conditions for private sector development. The strategy consisted of setting up arbitration and mediation centers to offer entrepreneurs an alternative for the settlement of their commercial disputes. On the basis of the analysis of the 18 projects, eight of which were visited for the purposes of this evaluation, despite some problems, this report concludes that the ADR portfolio had very positive results.
OVE Guidelines for Implementation of ECG Standards for Private Sector Evaluations
Authors:   Inter American Development Bank
Published: March 2024

This document (PS-125) presents the guidelines that will be used by the Private Sector Department (PRI) to prepare its Expanded Project Supervision Report (XPSR). The XPSR will help IDB to comply with the Evaluation Cooperation Group (ECG) Good Practice Standards (GPS) and to initiate a process of improving good practices in the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The XPSR builds on the basic monitoring reports already in place - Project Supervision Reports (PSRs) and Project Performance Monitoring Report (PPMRs) - by adding information requirements that are relevant for a self-evaluation document, such as issues relating to achievement of development outcomes, environmental performance, contribution to the country living standards and lessons learned. The XPSR fulfills the function of a Project Completion Report (PCR).
Disaster Risk Management by Communities and Local Governments
Authors: Hahn Herwig , Bollin Christina , Vatsa Krishna S. , Cárdenas Camilo
Published: March 2024

This study refers to disaster risk management at the local level. The topic was selected by the members of the Natural Disasters Network of the Regional Policy Dialogue, and was presented during its 3rd Meeting, on March 6 and 7, 2003. The goal of this document is to achieve a better knowledge of the best practices and benefits that disaster risk management represents for Latin America and the Caribbean. Included are comparative case studies of the Philippines, Colombia, Guatemala and Switzerland. Also discussed are strengths and weaknesses of local organizations in decentralized systems and financial services for disaster risk management.
Regulation and Contractual Adaptation in Public Utilities: The Case of Argentina
Authors: Navajas Fernando , Artana Daniel , Urbiztondo Santiago
Published: March 2024

This paper (IFM-115) evaluates a set of contractual adjustments, renegotiations and disputes that have taken place in different public utility industries in Argentina since 1991, considering: 1) Whether the decisions analyzed are inside the initial contract or represent a modification of it; 2) Whether they were motivated by unexpected shocks, by "loopholes" in the initial contracts, or just responded to a contractual failure (holdup by one of the parties); 3) The actors involved in the disputes and "production" of these innovations; and 4) How these disputes were resolved. In addition, lessons from twelve case studies within the energy and infrastructure sectors are observed.
Cost-Effectiveness of Education Policies in Latin America: A Survey of Expert Opinion
Authors: Schiefelbein Ernesto , Schiefelbein Paulina , Wolff Laurence
Published: March 2024

This paper provides an alternative approach to measuring the cost-effectiveness of educational interventions. The authors devised a questionnaire and gave it to ten international experts, mainly located in universities and international agencies, all of whom were well acquainted with educational research and with practical attempts at educational reform in the region; as well as to about 30 Latin American planner/practitioners, most of them working in the planning office of their ministry of education. Each respondent was asked to estimate the impact of 40 possible primary school interventions on learning as well as the probability of successful implementation. Using their own estimates of the incremental unit costs of these interventions, the authors created an innovative index ranking the cost-effectiveness of each of the 40 interventions.
Public or Private Education for Latin America?: That is the (False) Question
Authors: Wolff Laurence , Castro Claudio de Moura
Published: March 2024

This paper seeks to enlighten a complex and often polemical debate about public and private education. It argues that the distinction between private and public is less important than the rules of the game to which critical actors of the system respond. Based on a review of a wide range of literature, the paper argues for public policies which can make public institutions more market oriented and private institutions more likely to serve the public interest, including providing systematic information on learning, giving increased power to students, parents, and other stakeholders involved in public education, providing more effective oversight of private schools, and establishing funding mechanisms for both public and private education which encourage quality, efficiency, and equity.