Publications | Economic Analysis and Policy Division

Displaying 1 - 10 of 13

08 December 2017

Expanding productive capacity: Lessons learned from graduating Least Developed Countries (CDP Policy Note 2017)

The limited progress of least developed countries (LDCs) in developing their productive capacities remains one of the main obstacles to move towards graduation from the LDC category and to achieve the sustainable development goals. While there is international agreement on the importance of building productive capacity, the question of what policy interventions are successful usually remains unanswered. This Policy Note provides some answers by analyzing the strategies and policy choices of 14 countries that have successfully graduated from the LDC category, or have made noteworthy progress towards graduation. It contains a wide range of lessons not only relevant to all LDCs but the… Download

20 July 2017

UN/DESA Policy Brief #51: Reflecting on the World Economic and Social Survey's 70 years of development policy analysis

In drawing the most relevant lessons for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the World Economic and Social Survey 2017 systematically reviews the seven decades of development discussions contained in the publication ? the oldest continuous publication of its kind. UN/DESA Policy Brief #51: Reflecting on the World Economic and Social Survey's 70 years of development policy analysis

13 July 2017

World Economic and Social Survey 2017: Reflecting on 70 years of development policy analysis

Since 1947 the World Economic and Social Survey has promoted a broader understanding of development, emphasizing the importance of advancing the structural transformation of the economy, progress in social development and environmental sustainability World Economic and Social Survey 2017: Reflecting on 70 years of development policy analysis

22 May 2017

Recognition and Application of the Least Developed Country Category by UN Development System Organizations, by Teresa Lenzi (CDP Policy Review Series No. 6)

This paper analyzes the advantages that LDCs have derived from the various LDC-specific international support measures due to their LDC status. It identifies the reasons why some UN development system organizations may not use the LDC category in their allocation of development assistance and support measures.The analysis focuses on support from the UNDS organizations related to ODA and general support measures. Trade related support measures fall under the purview of the World Trade Organization, and are not discussed in this paper. The analysis was undertaken in the context of a UN General Assembly mandate in response to the Mid-term Review of the Implementation of the Istanbul Programme… Download

10 May 2017

2017 Monitoring Reports

Angola
Equator 2017 Monitoring Reports

29 April 2017

Applying the Growth Identification and Facilitation Framework to Nepal, By Dr. Jiajun Xu and Sarah Hager (CDP Background Paper No. 35)

This paper analyzes opportunities for growth in Nepal by applying the policy tool of New Structural Economics ? Growth Identification and Facilitation Framework (GIFF). Drawing on firm level surveys, stakeholder interviews, and existing datasets it aims to contribute to policy discussions in Nepal and to demonstrate the use of the GIFF for other least developed countries. The report argues that Nepal should seek to capture industrial transfer from China to establish a foothold in global value chains, create employment and catalyze structural transformation. The report identifies product-level advantages arising from preferential market access and sector-specific binding constraints, and… Download

21 April 2017

Development Issues No. 11: The Slowdown in Productivity Growth: A View from International Trade

Trade, investment and technology decisions at firm level interact with each other and affects aggregate productivity growth. This also illustrates the self-propagating forces of the current situation of the world economy. Development Issues No. 11: The Slowdown in Productivity Growth: A View from International Trade

12 April 2017

Productive Capacity and Economic Growth in Ethiopia, by Admasu Shiferaw (CDP Background Paper No. 34)

This paper examines the process of building productive capacity in Ethiopia over the past two decades and the roles played by the state, government, the private sector, foreign firms and development partners. Productive capacity is defined broadly as the natural resource potential, accumulation of human capital and the institutions that facilitate inclusive and sustainable economic growth. This process also encompasses the nurturing modern entrepreneurial skills in the private sector and fostering innovation. The paper starts with an overview of Ethiopia's economic growth and the change in the domestic economic structure. The manufacturing sector is seen as the success of Ethiopia's Growth… Download

24 March 2017

Development Issues No. 10: International financial flows and external debt

A review of recent trends suggests the need for a renewed commitment and enhanced efforts by the international community to support financing for sustainable development. It also points out at potential risks of debt sustainability for a few developed and some emerging economies. Development Issues No. 10: International financial flows and external debt

02 March 2017

Development Issues No. 9: Low growth with limited policy options? Secular Stagnation ? Causes, Consequences and Cures

Summary: Developed countries? economic performance since the global financial crisis has been disappointing, with subdued growth, Development Issues No. 9: Low growth with limited policy options? Secular Stagnation ? Causes, Consequences and Cures