Privatisation represents a reversal of the process of nationalisation begun early in this century. In addition, it is seen as one of the most effective means to both reduce state spending and to enforce market discipline in the provision of key services, thereby securing a more efficient allocation and use of resources. The trend of privatisation is now a worldwide phenomenon affecting both the traditional capitalist countries and the former communist bloc alike. It is hard to find a country without a privatisation program. Malaysia has sold its National Lottery, Buenos Aires its zoo, the Czech Republic the guest house of the Communist Party, Indonesia have hired a foreign firm to undertake their customs inspection.
Today there are even discussions to privatise the privatisation.
This precludes a single approach applicable to all countries and all privatisation operations. This page is maintained by Michael Hantke-Domas and was last updated on 04 September 2000. 1999 B lent Seven and Michael Hantke. All Rights Reserved.