Privatization in this region is crucial. Asia Emphasis is placed on internal market development, reducing entry barriers and liberalizing foreign investment access. The impact of state-owned enterprises and industrial groups is considerable. For this reason, reform attempts are focused on economic diversification, price liberalization, agriculture and infrastructure development. Latin America Export promotion policies and fiscal reform are critical in a region suffering from huge debt service burdens and hyperinflation.
Regional integration is seen as a mechanism for increasing global competitiveness.
A subsequent second phase will consist of analyses of different models of structural reform. The sourcebook will be relevant for the international aid community as well as for national governments as a guide for implementing reforms. Furthermore, it will identify specific models or strategies for groups of countries facing common problems and constraints. Keep in mind that the study measures the intensity of effort in reform programs rather than actual economic growth. The work summarized here represents just one phase of the project.