Asian Economic Integration in an Era of Global Uncertainty

Download Asian Economic Integration in an Era of Global Uncertainty PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : ANU Press
ISBN 13 : 1760461768
Total Pages : 315 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (64 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Asian Economic Integration in an Era of Global Uncertainty by : Shiro Armstrong

Download or read book Asian Economic Integration in an Era of Global Uncertainty written by Shiro Armstrong and published by ANU Press. This book was released on 2018-01-08 with total page 315 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Pacific Trade and Development (PAFTAD) conference series has been at the forefront of analysing challenges facing the economies of East Asia and the Pacific since its first meeting in Tokyo in January 1968. The 38th PAFTAD conference met at a key time to consider international economic integration. Earlier in the year, the people of the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union and the United States elected Donald Trump as their next president on the back of an inward-looking ‘America First’ promise. Brexit and President Trump represent a growing, and worrying, trend towards protectionism in the North Atlantic countries that have led the process of globalisation since the end of the Second World War. The chapters in the volume describe the state of play in Asian economic integration but, more importantly, look forward to the region’s future, and the role it might play in defending the global system that has underwritten its historic rise. Asia has the potential to stand as a bulwark against the dual threats of North Atlantic protectionism and slowing trade growth, but collective leadership will be needed regionally and difficult domestic reforms will be required in each country.

Economic Integration in Asia

Download Economic Integration in Asia PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 135106133X
Total Pages : 204 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (51 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Economic Integration in Asia by : Deeparghya Mukherjee

Download or read book Economic Integration in Asia written by Deeparghya Mukherjee and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2019-01-14 with total page 204 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) aims to achieve greater integration between the ASEAN region and its six free trade agreement (FTA) partners (India, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Korea). The RCEP is the only agreement to include three economies which are among the seven biggest economies of the world—China, Japan and India. The book opens with an introduction to the current status of economic integration and factors that would affect it and looks at key issues like non-tariff barriers, evolving investment regulations in China (in the context of FTAs), connectivity initiatives to integrate the region, rules of origin in the context of value chain integration in selected sectors as well as region-specific aspects of South Asia and South East Asia which would shape the regional economic architecture going forward. With an attempt to cover key imperatives, the book concludes by noting primary impediments to easier trade and investment flows in the region, highlighting possible policy recommendations to improve economic integration.

Costs and Benefits of Economic Integration in Asia

Download Costs and Benefits of Economic Integration in Asia PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Oxford University Press
ISBN 13 : 0199780773
Total Pages : 304 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (997 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Costs and Benefits of Economic Integration in Asia by : Robert J. Barro

Download or read book Costs and Benefits of Economic Integration in Asia written by Robert J. Barro and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2011-01-04 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Costs and Benefits of Economic Integration in Asia brings together authoritative essays that identify and examine various initiatives to promote economic integration in Asia.

International Economic Integration and Asia

Download International Economic Integration and Asia PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : World Scientific
ISBN 13 : 9812567577
Total Pages : 387 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (125 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis International Economic Integration and Asia by : Michael G. Plummer

Download or read book International Economic Integration and Asia written by Michael G. Plummer and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 2006 with total page 387 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Regional economic integration has become a key force in international commercial policy in the 2000s. Europe has traditionally embraced regionalism; the United States became actively involved in preferential trading arrangements only in the 1980s. While Asia has been late in accepting formal regional economic integration accords, all Asian countries are now in the process of creating various free-trade areas and other forms of economic integration programs, and some are already in place. This volume analyzes the regionalism trend from an Asian perspective. It considers the lessons from, and the economic implications of, various economic integration programs in the OECD (mostly the EU but also NAFTA), as well as the proposals for closer economic integration in the region itself. Chapters deal with both real and financial integration issues.

International Economic Integration and Asia

Download International Economic Integration and Asia PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : World Scientific
ISBN 13 : 9812773770
Total Pages : 387 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (127 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis International Economic Integration and Asia by : Michael G. Plummer

Download or read book International Economic Integration and Asia written by Michael G. Plummer and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 2006 with total page 387 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Regional economic integration has become a key force in international commercial policy in the 2000s. Europe has traditionally embraced regionalism; the United States became actively involved in preferential trading arrangements only in the 1980s. While Asia has been late in accepting formal regional economic integration accords, all Asian countries are now in the process of creating various free-trade areas and other forms of economic integration programs, and some are already in place. This volume analyzes the regionalism trend from an Asian perspective. It considers the lessons from, and the economic implications of, various economic integration programs in the OECD (mostly the EU but also NAFTA), as well as the proposals for closer economic integration in the region itself. Chapters deal with both real and financial integration issues. Sample Chapter(s). Chapter 1: East Asian Economic Regionalism: Progress and Challenges (1,660 KB). Contents: Introduction (M G Plummer & E Jones); East Asian Economic Regionalism: Progress and Challenges (M Kawai); Sequencing Regional Integration in Asia (R Pomfret); ASEAN+3: Is an Economic Community in Their Future? (J Angresano); Stock Market Performance in ASEAN: Is Institutional Integration Warranted? (R W Click & M G Plummer); The Institution of a Single Currency Area: Lessons for Asia from the European Monetary Union (S Rossi); Deep Integration and Its Impacts on Non-Members: EU Enlargement and East Asia (H Lee & D van der Mensbrugghe); Small Change: A Critical Examination of the Economic Relationship Between South Asia and the European Union (J W Moses and Maggi Brigham); The Effects of North-South Regional Trade Policies: A Comparison of Mediterranean Countries with ASEAN (N P(r)ridy); Reconciling the Tensions Between Regional Integration and Cohesion (M Farrell); Lessons for Asia? Legitimacy and Quasi-Democratic Mechanisms in European and American Market Integration (C Parsons & J D Richardson). Readership: Academics, policymakers, professionals and students interested in applied international economics and Asian economic integration.

Initiatives of Regional Integration in Asia in Comparative Perspective

Download Initiatives of Regional Integration in Asia in Comparative Perspective PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 9402412115
Total Pages : 210 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (24 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Initiatives of Regional Integration in Asia in Comparative Perspective by : Howard Loewen

Download or read book Initiatives of Regional Integration in Asia in Comparative Perspective written by Howard Loewen and published by Springer. This book was released on 2018-03-12 with total page 210 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume offers to compare and explain variances of regionalism in Asia by disclosing the distinctive features of regional arrangements and how they evolved during the 1990s and 2000s against the background of a changing global environment. Moreover, it takes up a genuinely ‘inter-Asian’ perspective. By analysing and comparing diverse manifestations of regional integration agreements across Asia and its different sub-regions, it sets out to track their common characteristics and sub-regional facets with respect to their establishment, design and consequences. In addition, political processes accompanying their negotiation and implementation are scrutinized. The analysis encompasses nine case studies written by renowned scholars who together as a group combine an extraordinary mixture of different disciplinary backgrounds as well as expertise on shapes and processes of regional integration in different parts of Asia. The case studies seize on some of the most important features and controversial issues characterizing the second regionalism. Such are the emergence and impact of overlapping FTAs, regional financial and sub-regional economic integration and cooperation, power and the politics of regional integration as well as the nexus between conflict resolution, state failure and regional integration.

Regionalism and Global Economic Integration

Download Regionalism and Global Economic Integration PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 1134716273
Total Pages : 264 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (347 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Regionalism and Global Economic Integration by : William D. Coleman

Download or read book Regionalism and Global Economic Integration written by William D. Coleman and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2012-10-12 with total page 264 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This scholarly and interdisciplinary volume sheds much needed light on the realtionship between national policies, regional integration patterns and the wider global setting. It covers regional patterns in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Individual chapters focus on topics ranging from industrial or financial policies to social welfare regimes, as well as broader assessments and comparisons of regional arrangements in a global context. The chapters point to the diversity of regional patterns in the world economy and the continuing importance of national regulatory structures, yet they also point to the common pressures of globalisation felt by all, especially in the domain of capital markets. With broad coverage and clear but sophisticated analysis this new book will be vital reading to all those seeking to clarify their understanding of the contemporary regional/global paradox.

Economic and Financial Integration in South Asia

Download Economic and Financial Integration in South Asia PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Taylor & Francis
ISBN 13 : 1000202798
Total Pages : 199 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (2 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Economic and Financial Integration in South Asia by : Sanjay Sehgal

Download or read book Economic and Financial Integration in South Asia written by Sanjay Sehgal and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2020-10-25 with total page 199 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book analyses the current state and potential of economic and financial integration in South Asia, which has emerged as one of the most dynamic regions of the world. It looks at how regional convergences and cooperation would reinforce ties amongst the diverse economies of South Asia in the changing global economic landscape. Drawing on empirical research, the book looks at the degree of economic and financial integration in South Asia, which according to the World Bank includes the least integrated regions in the world, and explores the fundamental factors that drive integration amongst these countries. It offers important insights into the financial landscape of the region, as well as the dynamics of the interlinkages in the banking system, the stock markets, and the debt markets. The book examines the role of bilateral trade in augmenting regional economic ties, the opportunities for growth these will foster, and the major challenges and roadblocks for the leaders of the region. It also provides an overview of China’s role in South Asia’s financial integration and the interdependence of these economies for economic opportunities, macroeconomic and financial stability, jobs, sustainable growth, and inclusive development. Detailed and insightful, this book will be of great interest to investors and regional policymakers. It will also be of interest to researchers and students of economics, public and foreign policy, finance, international relations, and South Asia studies.

Globalization and Economic Integration

Download Globalization and Economic Integration PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Edward Elgar Publishing
ISBN 13 : 1849806713
Total Pages : 305 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (498 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Globalization and Economic Integration by : Noel Gaston

Download or read book Globalization and Economic Integration written by Noel Gaston and published by Edward Elgar Publishing. This book was released on 2010-01-01 with total page 305 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Noel Gaston and Ahmed M. Khalid s volume offers fascinating insights on the development, causes, and consequences of globalization in the Asia-Pacific. The outstanding collection of chapters combines theory with rigorous econometrics, making the book a must-read for every student of globalization. At a time where the global crisis gave new arguments to the critics of globalization, the questions raised in this book, and the answers given, are essential reading for academics and politicians alike. Axel Dreher, University of Goettingen, Germany Given the importance of globalization in today s world, this salutary and timely book explores how globalization is specifically shaping the Asia-Pacific. It investigates future prospects and challenges, identifies the key winners and losers, and concludes in many cases that the portents for globalization are not particularly promising. Prominent economists and policy scholars examine a wide range of topics pertinent to globalization and economic integration in the Asia-Pacific, encompassing macroeconomic coordination and financial market integration; regionalism and preferential trade agreements; and immigration and labor markets, including gender issues and the impact of outsourcing. Through these analyses, the expert contributors illustrate the importance of market participants and regulators clearly understanding the risks associated with the present stage of globalization. They show that national policy makers need to reconfigure the regulatory framework following international lessons from previous financial crises experienced in the last two decades, and that financial literacy is essential for market participants, especially in emerging economies. Many of the issues discussed will prove useful in promoting the development of a new international financial architecture, comprising measures that will help reap the full benefits of globalization. This stimulating and challenging book will strongly appeal to academics, advanced undergraduates, postgraduates, researchers, and policy makers in the fields of Asian studies, international economics, and international business.

South Asia's Integration Into the World Economy

Download South Asia's Integration Into the World Economy PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : World Bank Publications
ISBN 13 : 9780821340394
Total Pages : 124 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (43 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis South Asia's Integration Into the World Economy by :

Download or read book South Asia's Integration Into the World Economy written by and published by World Bank Publications. This book was released on 1997-01-01 with total page 124 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Latin America, economic policy, Caribbean area, economic stabilization, poverty, government policy.

Globalization and India's Economic Integration

Download Globalization and India's Economic Integration PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Georgetown University Press
ISBN 13 : 1626161089
Total Pages : 316 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (261 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Globalization and India's Economic Integration by : Baldev Raj Nayar

Download or read book Globalization and India's Economic Integration written by Baldev Raj Nayar and published by Georgetown University Press. This book was released on 2014-11-12 with total page 316 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A common critique of globalization is that it causes economic segmentation and even disintegration of the national economy. Quite to the contrary, Baldev Raj Nayar provides a thorough empirical treatment of India’s political economy that challenges this critique by demonstrating that, on balance, both state and market have functioned to attenuate such a disintegrative impact and to accentuate economic integration. The active role of the Indian state in the areas of economic planning, fiscal federalism, and tax reform has resulted in improved economic integration and not increased segmentation. Similarly, his investigation of trade, investment, entrepreneurship, and migration suggests tendencies inherent in the market in favor of economic integration, especially when assisted by the state. While globalization has its benefits, such as higher economic growth, and costs, such as external shocks, Nayar’s findings show that India has benefited from globalization more than it has been victimized by it. Globalization and India’s Economic Integration shows how globalization’s pressures favoring efficiency paradoxically induced the state to push for consolidation on a pan-Indian scale in the area of fiscal federalism and to advance the cause of the common market through reforming the indirect tax system; meanwhile, the state has pressed forward with social inclusiveness as never before in its economic planning. For another, the market, too, has been instrumental, because of its widened scope and its inherently expanding character, in strengthening economic integration through trade expansion, diffusion of industry, and increased inter-state migration. Nayar’s groundbreaking work will interest students, scholars, and specialists of India, South Asia, globalization, and political economy.

International Economic Integration

Download International Economic Integration PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 3642484212
Total Pages : 269 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (424 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis International Economic Integration by : Franz P. Lang

Download or read book International Economic Integration written by Franz P. Lang and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 269 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: International economic integration is a topic upon which both academics and policy-makers are focusing a great deal of attention. This has perhaps been most marked in western Europe, given the establishing of the inter nal market and the prospects for an economic and monetary union. In parallel with the movement toward widening and deeping of western European economic integration, we find an increased integration of eastern Europe to world trade and finance as well as regional integration in North America and in East Asia. The book on hand provides a collection of recent research by leading scholars and practicians in this field. It is divided into three parts. The first part deals with some theoretical aspects of international integration, the second and the third part attend to implications of concrete forms of international integration inside and outside Europe. Part I starts with a neoclassical analysis of the impacts of factor-market integration by Franz Peter Lang. He investigates the effects on production level, production structure, demand level and structure of external trade of a "small integration area". Lang shows that the specific welfare effects of factor-market integration can only be realized if and only if external trade (between the integration area and the rest of the world) is increased too.

Yen Bloc

Download Yen Bloc PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN 13 : 9780815798705
Total Pages : 236 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (987 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Yen Bloc by : C. H. Kwan

Download or read book Yen Bloc written by C. H. Kwan and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2004-06-23 with total page 236 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this important new book, C.H. Kwan asks whether the Japanese yen can, or will, replace the dollar as the key currency in East Asia. Kwan analyzes the implications for Japan and Asia's developing countries should they come together to form a yen bloc—a grouping of countries that use the yen as an international currency and maintain stable exchange rates against the yen. Combining academic analysis with his experience advising the Japanese prime minister and the Japanese minister of finance, Kwan concludes that a yen bloc might benefit Asia's developing countries—as well as Japan—while contributing to a more stable international monetary order. Kwan's book represents the first attempt to explore systematically the possibility of monetary integration in Asia. It also provides a vision for regional integration in Asia in the twenty-first century.

East Asian Economic Integration

Download East Asian Economic Integration PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Edward Elgar Publishing
ISBN 13 : 1849808694
Total Pages : 349 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (498 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis East Asian Economic Integration by : Ross P. Buckley

Download or read book East Asian Economic Integration written by Ross P. Buckley and published by Edward Elgar Publishing. This book was released on 2011-01-01 with total page 349 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 'This book offers a fascinating exploration of the contradictions of East Asian economic integration: a topic of enormous contemporary significance to observers of world political and economic affairs. The collection provides an unusually rigorous and systematic treatment of this important topic, drawing on contributions from an impressive array of experts. It will provide a valuable resource for students, scholars and other observers seeking deeper understanding of the contemporary dynamics and challenges of East Asian integration.' - Kate MacDonald, University of Melbourne, Australia 'East Asia is a crucial part of the global economy. This book analyses three key elements of East Asian economic integration: trade, investment and international finance. The authors are leading experts in their fields. Their book represents an important addition to the literature on a subject of fundamental importance both regionally and globally.' - Bradly J. Condon, ITAM, Mexico City This book analyses recent developments and likely future paths for trade and financial integration in East Asia. It suggests a more coherent, balanced way forward for regional economic integration and analyses implications for institution building in East Asia. East Asia has achieved a high degree of intra-regional trade, investment and GDP correlation, through an expanding web of free trade agreements and production networks. However, financially, most regional economies are linked more closely to North America and Europe than to each other. As trade integration has accelerated, financial and monetary integration has not kept pace. East Asian Economic Integration analyses potential reasons and remedies for this phenomenon through a multidisciplinary framework of law, politics and economics. This comprehensive book will appeal to researchers and students in political science, international relations, trade law, international finance law, and regional studies generally. It will also be of great interest to regional

Regional Integration and Economic Development in South Asia

Download Regional Integration and Economic Development in South Asia PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Edward Elgar Publishing
ISBN 13 : 1781005249
Total Pages : 425 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (81 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Regional Integration and Economic Development in South Asia by : Sultan Hafeez Rahman

Download or read book Regional Integration and Economic Development in South Asia written by Sultan Hafeez Rahman and published by Edward Elgar Publishing. This book was released on 2012-04-01 with total page 425 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: South Asian leaders have made it a priority to tackle key regional issues such as poverty, environment degradation, trade and investment barriers and food insecurity, among others.

Economic and Financial Integration in South Asia

Download Economic and Financial Integration in South Asia PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Taylor & Francis
ISBN 13 : 1000202658
Total Pages : 215 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (2 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Economic and Financial Integration in South Asia by : Sanjay Sehgal

Download or read book Economic and Financial Integration in South Asia written by Sanjay Sehgal and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2020-10-25 with total page 215 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book analyses the current state and potential of economic and financial integration in South Asia, which has emerged as one of the most dynamic regions of the world. It looks at how regional convergences and cooperation would reinforce ties amongst the diverse economies of South Asia in the changing global economic landscape. Drawing on empirical research, the book looks at the degree of economic and financial integration in South Asia, which according to the World Bank includes the least integrated regions in the world, and explores the fundamental factors that drive integration amongst these countries. It offers important insights into the financial landscape of the region, as well as the dynamics of the interlinkages in the banking system, the stock markets, and the debt markets. The book examines the role of bilateral trade in augmenting regional economic ties, the opportunities for growth these will foster, and the major challenges and roadblocks for the leaders of the region. It also provides an overview of China’s role in South Asia’s financial integration and the interdependence of these economies for economic opportunities, macroeconomic and financial stability, jobs, sustainable growth, and inclusive development. Detailed and insightful, this book will be of great interest to investors and regional policymakers. It will also be of interest to researchers and students of economics, public and foreign policy, finance, international relations, and South Asia studies.

Trade Facilitation and Regional Cooperation in Asia

Download Trade Facilitation and Regional Cooperation in Asia PDF Online Free

Author :
Publisher : Edward Elgar Publishing
ISBN 13 : 1849806527
Total Pages : 209 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (498 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!


Book Synopsis Trade Facilitation and Regional Cooperation in Asia by : Douglas H. Brooks

Download or read book Trade Facilitation and Regional Cooperation in Asia written by Douglas H. Brooks and published by Edward Elgar Publishing. This book was released on 2010-01-01 with total page 209 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is an important contribution to the policy debate on the future of regional integration around the world, and in Asia in particular. The complex linkages between regional integration and regional cooperation, soft and hard integration, trade facilitation and regional infrastructure are all addressed competently in different chapters of this publication, which should be read by all of those concerned with the future of regional integration and cooperation in Asia. Antoni Estevadeordal, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) As we emerge from the worst global economic setback in two generations, the momentum of Asian economies suggests that this region will redefine the geography of trade and growth even more quickly and decisively than expected. Because Asia offers the largest emerging markets, superior growth rates, and new patterns of trade diversification, this region is becoming the leading edge of the global economy for the next generation. This volume addresses the essential issues related to Asian trade and regionalism with intellectual authority and essential timeliness. Brooks and Stone have assembled leading experts, distilled evidence, and synthesized policy lessons on the salient issues and trends that will drive the world s most dynamic economic region. Their book should be a desk reference for policy-makers and leading private sector players who want to respond effectively to the momentous challenges and opportunities presented by the Asian century. David Roland-Holst, University of California, Berkeley, US This insightful book collects empirical analyses and case studies to clarify issues and draw policy recommendations for facilitating greater regional trade through increased cooperation. Asia s rapid development has been heavily dependent on markets external to the region. However, given the unlikely timely recovery of the United States or Europe there is an urgent need to develop domestic and regional markets. While greater integration has long been a regional goal, its importance has never been more pressing. To facilitate trade and promote growth and regional integration, and to counteract declining markets in other regions, Asian countries have announced large expenditures for developing infrastructure. Thus, a look at how investment in regional infrastructure promotes and supports interregional trade growth has never been timelier. While the focus is on informing policy-making in Asia, the findings also have relevance for other regions. The detailed studies in this book will be of particular interest to academic economists, policy-makers, and the broader development community.