Other Financial Accountability Study
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Publication
Country Insurance : Reducing Systemic Vulnerabilities in Latin America and the Caribbean
(Washington, DC, 2008-03)This study begins from the premise that output and consumption are more volatile and prone to sharp contractions in developing than in high-income economies. This suggests that developing countries are somehow "underinsured" and may thus need to invest more in "country insurance" policies. To shed some light on this issue, the author begin by providing in the first chapter evidence of the excessive volatility faced by developing countries in general (and Latin American and Caribbean, LAC, countries in particular) and then discuss some of the welfare costs associated with such volatility. In second chapter, the author focus on the main trade-offs and on the strategic choices confronted by developing countries if they decide to increase their resilience to external shocks. Finally, in the third chapter, the author look at different policy options, focusing on how the international financial institutions (IFIs) in general and the World Bank in particular can help developing countries' reduce their vulnerability to external shocks. While excessive volatility in developing countries affects both government and the private sectors, this study limits its focus to the government sector. The private sector challenges will be addressed in future research. -
Publication
Colombia : Bank Financing to Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Colombia
(Washington, DC, 2007-12)Small-and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) represent an important part of the Colombian economy, although they are not well documented in official statistics. In particular, there does not exist sufficient periodic data as to their characteristics, evolution, or overall contribution to the economy - in most cases, SMEs tend to be bundled together with micro enterprises in official statistics. The true size of the market is understated due to informality. Lack of access to finance has been cited as an important problem in recent surveys. However, there are significant differences in perceptions as to the size and causes of the financing gap. While there is strong evidence to support its existence following the 1999 crisis, the significant growth of this market in recent years raises some questions as to whether such perceptions remain valid. One of the lessons of the last few years is that banks will expand SME lending on their own accord - in spite of the presence of important constraints - when they perceive the attractiveness of this market and have begun to saturate easier (in terms of business model) market segments such as corporate and consumer lending. However, in order to ensure the sustainable growth of this market, continued strong macroeconomic performance and a stable and consistent policy framework in the financial sector have been identified as important considerations. -
Publication
Brazil - Improving Fiscal Circumstances for Growth : Volume 2. Main Report
(Washington, DC, 2007-03)This document is part of a series of reports by the World Bank on Brazil's potential to foment more robust economic growth and reduce poverty and inequality. The main focus of this report is on the interrelated fiscal circumstances facing Brazil, with an emphasis on public sector spending. The report is divided into two volumes. This first volume distills the essential stylized facts (that are described in detail in volume two) and focuses on key recommendations (discussed in detail in Chapter 5 of the second volume). These recommendations highlight not only areas where improvements could be achieved, but also suggest options on how to go about implementing such modifications, based in part on international experience. The second volume of the report contains: more detail on these stylized facts; a first attempt to compile data for the entire non-financial public sector; quantitative analysis of the fiscal impacts on growth using a dynamic general equilibrium model and a simulation based on that model; specific examples of key budget rigidities; and, as an example, a review of road transport spending with a view to strengthening the impacts of this infrastructure spending. Other related World Bank reports concentrate on social security, health, financial markets, infrastructure, poverty, and the issues surrounding the monitoring and evaluation of public sector services in general. Volume one of this report also reflects some of the preliminary findings in these other reports. -
Publication
Brazil - Improving Fiscal Circumstances for Growth : Volume 1. Stylized Facts and Recommendations
(Washington, DC, 2007-03)This document is part of a series of reports by the World Bank on Brazil's potential to foment more robust economic growth and reduce poverty and inequality. The main focus of this report is on the interrelated fiscal circumstances facing Brazil, with an emphasis on public sector spending. The report is divided into two volumes. This first volume distills the essential stylized facts (that are described in detail in volume two) and focuses on key recommendations (discussed in detail in Chapter 5 of the second volume). These recommendations highlight not only areas where improvements could be achieved, but also suggest options on how to go about implementing such modifications, based in part on international experience. The second volume of the report contains: more detail on these stylized facts; a first attempt to compile data for the entire non-financial public sector; quantitative analysis of the fiscal impacts on growth using a dynamic general equilibrium model and a simulation based on that model; specific examples of key budget rigidities; and, as an example, a review of road transport spending with a view to strengthening the impacts of this infrastructure spending. Other related World Bank reports concentrate on social security, health, financial markets, infrastructure, poverty, and the issues surrounding the monitoring and evaluation of public sector services in general. Volume one of this report also reflects some of the preliminary findings in these other reports.