De-fragmenting Africa

Franklin Allen, Thorsten Beck, Elena Carletti, Philip Lane, Dirk Schoenmaker, Wolf Wagner, 20 June 2011The global crisis has provided compelling evidence of the need to understand the role of banks in international finance. This column introduces a new CEPR report analysing key aspects of cross-border banking taking a European focus. The report argues that policy reforms in micro- and macro-prudential regulation and macroeconomic policies are urgently needed for Europe to improve its efficiency and reduce its risk.

Geza Feketekuty, 19 June 2010What is holding back the Doha Round? This column argues that while there are many reasons for the difficulties the WTO has faced, the shortcomings of the mercantilist model in framing mutually acceptable multilateral agreements is undoubtedly a major factor. The WTO needs a new kind of forum where countries can think through the issues before the give and take. Full Article: Needed: A new approach to reduce regulatory barriers to trade

Rolando Avendaño, Niels Boehm, Elisa Calza, 27 January 2013Small and medium-sized enterprises provide the vast majority of employment in developing countries, and are keystones in the productive structures of emerging economies. This column argues that the growth of such firms is being hindered by scarce financing. Looking at Latin America, it is clear that public financial institutions are increasingly important in meeting credit demands.

OTTAWA — Canadian businesses are upset over a little-known 13-year-old policy that allows border guards to “waive through” travellers without charging them duty, particularly at peak cross-border shopping periods like the Black Friday long weekend.

Alessandra Bonfiglioli, Gino Gancia, 14 June 2011Most economists agree that the global crisis has exposed the need for economies to reform, particularly those along Europe’s periphery. The problem is making these reforms politically viable. This column notes that many governments fear electoral defeat if they enforce unpopular policies. But it also argues the risk of punishment in the polls is the lowest in times of crisis.Full Article: Why are reforms so politically difficult?

Tito Boeri, 17 August 2011Italy is on its third fiscal consolidation package in just six weeks, and none have addressed its credibility crisis. This column argues that Italy’s problems come from its bad politicians, who refuse to learn that structural reforms are necessary. To err is human, but to persevere is diabolical.Full Article: Italy's confidence crisis: Bad policies from bad politicians

Michael Gasiorek, Javier López González, 30 July 2011The EU is redesigning its rules on preferential trade access for developing and emerging economies. This column outlines the likely winners and losers and argues that in order to help developing countries integrate into the world economy much more creative policies are needed.Full Article: How much difference will the EU’s new approach to preferential trade make?

Bernard Hoekman, Ça?lar Özden, 2 January 2011High unemployment among the young and low skilled is fuelling anti-immigration sentiments across the OECD. This column argues that, in Western Europe, demographic trends are such that demand for many workers will exceed supply. It proposes a framework that enables the temporary movement of services providers, a policy that could address Europe’s labour needs while placating public resistance.Full Article: Can trade in services offer an alternative to migration?