Trade Liberalization and Poverty

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1-INTRODUCTION
  • 1.1 MOTIVATION
  • 1.2 OUTLINE OF THE PAPER
• 2-DEFINITION AND MEASUREMENT
  • 2.1 TRADE LIBERALIZATION
    • 2.1.1 DEFINITION
    • 2.1.2 MEASUREMENT
  • 2.2 POVERTY
    • 2.2.1 DEFINITION
    • 2.2.2 MEASUREMENT
• 3 REASONS FOR TRADE POLICY REFORMS
  • 3.1 ECONOMIC CRISIS
  • 3.2 STRUCTURAL ADJUSTMENT PROGRAMS
  • 3.3 THEORY AND RESEARCH
• 4-EXPERIENCES WITH TRADE POLICY REFORMS
  • 4.1 VIETNAM
  • 4.2 SOUTH AFRICA
  • 4.3 KENYA
• 5-TRADE LIBERALIZATION AND POVERTY
  • 5.1 ECONOMIC GROWTH AND POVERTY
    • 5.1.1 ECONOMIC GROWTH
      • 5.1.1.1 Theoretical Linkages
      • 5.1.1.2 Empirical Evidence
    • 5.1.2 POVERTY
  • 5.2 PRODUCTIVITY AND VOLATILITY
    • 5.2.1 PRODUCTIVITY
      • 5.2.1.1 Theoretical Linkages
      • 5.2.1.2 Empirical Evidence
    • 5.2.2 MACROECONOMIC VOLATILITY
      • 5.2.2.1 Theoretical Linkages
      • 5.2.2.2 Empirical Evidence
  • 5.3 PRICES AND MARKETS
    • 5.3.1 PRICES
      • 5.3.1.1 Theoretical Linkages
      • 5.3.1.2 Empirical Evidence
    • 5.3.2 MARKETS
  • 5.4 WAGES AND EMPLOYMENT
    • 5.4.1 WAGES AND EMPLOYMENT
      • 5.4.1.1 Theoretical Linkages
      • 5.4.1.2 Empirical Evidence
    • 5.4.2 TRANSITIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT
  • 5.5 GOVERNMENT REVENUE AND SOCIAL SPENDING
    • 5.5.1 GOVERNMENT REVENUE
      • 5.5.1.1 Theoretical Linkages
      • 5.5.1.2 Empirical Evidence
    • 5.5.2 SOCIAL SPENDING
• 6-CONCLUSION

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the complex relationship between trade liberalization (TL) and poverty, focusing on its potential impact on less developed countries (LDCs). It examines the arguments for and against TL, and analyzes the experiences of various countries that have undertaken trade policy reforms (TPRs).

• The influence of TL on economic growth and poverty alleviation.
• The role of productivity and macroeconomic volatility in the TL-poverty nexus.
• The impact of TL on prices, markets, wages, and employment.
• The implications of TL for government revenue and social spending in developing nations.
• The potential benefits and drawbacks of TL for different segments of the population, particularly the poor.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The paper begins by defining and measuring both TL and poverty, providing a foundation for the subsequent analysis. It then explores the reasons behind trade policy reforms, particularly in the context of economic crises and structural adjustment programs. This is followed by an examination of the experiences of Vietnam, South Africa, and Kenya in implementing TL. The core of the paper delves into the intricate relationship between TL and poverty, examining the impact of TL on economic growth, productivity, macroeconomic volatility, prices and markets, wages and employment, and government revenue and social spending. The paper utilizes theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence to shed light on the various transmission mechanisms through which TL can affect poverty levels. It also acknowledges the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the issue, particularly in the short to medium term.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The study revolves around the key concepts of trade liberalization, poverty, economic growth, productivity, macroeconomic volatility, prices, markets, wages, employment, government revenue, and social spending. It also examines the experiences of specific countries like Vietnam, South Africa, and Kenya, drawing on theoretical linkages and empirical evidence to assess the impact of TL on poverty in developing nations.