Publication: Croatia Country Economic Memorandum : A Strategy for Growth through European Integration, Volume 1. Summary Report
Loading...
Date
2003-07
ISSN
Published
2003-07
Author(s)
Editor(s)
Abstract
For Croatia, the challenge is to create conditions that will attract investment and produce growth. These conditions can broadly be categorized as (a) stable, progressive and predictable laws and institutions; (b) efficient labor and financial markets; (c) macroeconomic and financial stability; (d) social and environmental sustainability; (e) effective integration into the European infrastructure networks ensuring competitive cost and quality; and (f) a dynamic business-oriented environment which facilitates the production of high value added goods and promotes the adoption of efficient processes and innovative technologies. This Report proposes a reform strategy for faster economic growth through European integration. Other key inputs for creating a favorable investment climate and consolidating growth prospects include skilled labor, efficient financial markets, and high-quality cost-efficient infrastructure services. Croatia has already achieved substantial progress in these areas. However, pursuing reforms in these sectors would not be costly and would be good for growth and European integration. Thus, higher education reform should be pursued, as should reforms to create market-oriented infrastructure institutions as envisaged in EU Directives, including the institutional development of regulators and the strengthening of the competition agency. The highly competitive European environment requires, in particular, well-focused training and higher education programs that offer firms qualified staff and adequate skills for an innovation-driven knowledge economy. The further deepening of financial markets, which is closely connected to the reforms in the legal and institutional framework outlined above, ought to focus also on the strengthening of the regulatory and supervisory functions, particularly in the non-banking sectors. Similarly, market-oriented energy, transport, and communications are crucial to enhance the global competitiveness of the Croatian economy and to foster its integration into the European economy while creating opportunities for FDI.
Link to Data Set
Citation
“World Bank. 2003. Croatia Country Economic Memorandum : A Strategy for Growth through European Integration, Volume 1. Summary Report. © World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/14619 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”
Associated URLs
Associated content
Other publications in this report series
Journal
Journal Volume
Journal Issue
Collections
Related items
Showing items related by metadata.
Publication Romania - Restructuring for EU Integration--The Policy Agenda : Country Economic Memorandum, Volume 1. Summary Report(Washington, DC, 2004-06)This Country Economic Memorandum (CEM) looks at the broad reform program, including institutional, governance, and economic restructuring reforms Romania is pursuing, which are anchored in its process for accession to the European Union (EU). The challenge is to expand integration with the EU more broadly throughout the economy, by relying on market driven mechanisms in a predictable rules-based policy environment, with the state sharply focused on the provision of essential public goods. Implementing the institutional reform agenda is the first priority in the accession-led reform, having the country the largest increase in its share of EU external imports among the Central Eastern European Countries (CEECs), with trade diversification providing a robust foundation for trade expansion. But, to deepen trade integration, Romania would need to broaden its trade performance throughout the economy. On restructuring the enterprise sector, the CEM indicates enterprise reform needs to be accelerated, and budget constraint discipline needs to be extended to the transaction interface between the state and enterprises. As for implementing agricultural transformation, the potential competitiveness of agriculture, associated with Romania's moderate climate, and the availability of land, remains largely untapped. Therefore, agricultural policies and transformation need to be driven by competitiveness. Moreover, increased labor market flexibility is needed to improve sectoral employment imbalances, and competitiveness, and hence reduce the risks to the sustainability of growth, as competing in the EU, and global markets becomes increasingly more difficult. Notwithstanding recent progress, there are risks and vulnerabilities to the macroeconomic stabilization, and reform achievements. The energy sector in Romania has been a main source of persistently large quasi-fiscal deficits, more so than in many other transition economies, with high hidden subsidies, and losses in the energy sector. Completing the energy sector reform is essential, but the challenge is to implement budget constraints between the state and energy enterprises, so as to complete the restructuring of the energy sector. Further recommendations include elimination of quasi-fiscal financing, replaced by efficient financial intermediation, and strengthening the regulatory and supervisory infrastructure; deepening the reforms of the social security system; and, containing the costs of upgrading environmental standards.Publication Bosnia and Herzegovina : Country Economic Memorandum(Washington, DC, 2005-05)This Country Economic Memorandum (CEM) takes stock of economic developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH) since the end of the 1995 war, and, discusses potential sources of high, sustained growth that BH could exploit, as European Union integration advances. The report formulates policy recommendations that would help maximize the potential of the country's economy to achieve higher real GDP growth, and increased job generation. In doing so, the CEM focuses on four priority policy areas: macroeconomic management, international trade policy, business environment and enterprise reform, and, labor market policies. The report conveys the need to significantly build human capital, strengthen the institutional framework, particularly focusing on social sectors, and, develop infrastructure. Despite the country's recent macroeconomic stability, there are still uneven structural policies, and a largely unfinished agenda. The single most important macroeconomic imbalance is the persistent current account deficit. The analysis presented in this report suggests that it is the result of low domestic savings rates, rather than high investment. The rate of investment is not above the average for transition economies, whereas the share of domestic savings that can finance it is particularly low. The need for higher domestic savings raises the question of the adequacy of BH's current fiscal policy stance to serve economic growth. In the area of trade, the recent sluggish performance can hardly be attributed to a policy stance that has pursued liberalization and integration. The real constraints to a more dynamic export performance lie in the business environment and investment climate. The challenges of broad-based enterprise reforms essentially center around two main issues a) removal of structural barriers to the creation, and functioning of competitive markets; and, b) establishment of rules, procedures and related institutions that create incentives to facilitate business transactions. Challenges in the labor market are numerous: unemployment is high and rising, and, jobs being created are scarce, mainly in the informal sector. The report provides several recommendations, among which some suggest the need for changes in privatization regulations, of increased labor market flexibility, of fundamental changes in corporate ownership rules, as well as in the rules for privatization of investment funds, and most importantly, for adequate sequencing of reforms and improved governance.Publication Croatia - Country Economic Memorandum : A Strategy for Growth through European Integration, Volume 2. Main Report(Washington, DC, 2003-07)For Croatia, the challenge is to create conditions that will attract investment and produce growth. These conditions can broadly be categorized as (a) stable, progressive and predictable laws and institutions; (b) efficient labor and financial markets; (c) macroeconomic and financial stability; (d) social and environmental sustainability; (e) effective integration into the European infrastructure networks ensuring competitive cost and quality; and (f) a dynamic business-oriented environment which facilitates the production of high value added goods and promotes the adoption of efficient processes and innovative technologies. This Report proposes a reform strategy for faster economic growth through European integration. Other key inputs for creating a favorable investment climate and consolidating growth prospects include skilled labor, efficient financial markets, and high-quality cost-efficient infrastructure services. Croatia has already achieved substantial progress in these areas. However, pursuing reforms in these sectors would not be costly and would be good for growth and European integration. Thus, higher education reform should be pursued, as should reforms to create market-oriented infrastructure institutions as envisaged in EU Directives, including the institutional development of regulators and the strengthening of the competition agency. The highly competitive European environment requires, in particular, well-focused training and higher education programs that offer firms qualified staff and adequate skills for an innovation-driven knowledge economy. The further deepening of financial markets, which is closely connected to the reforms in the legal and institutional framework outlined above, ought to focus also on the strengthening of the regulatory and supervisory functions, particularly in the non-banking sectors. Similarly, market-oriented energy, transport, and communications are crucial to enhance the global competitiveness of the Croatian economy and to foster its integration into the European economy while creating opportunities for FDI.Publication Indonesia Development Policy Review : The Imperative for Reform(Washington, DC, 2001-12-10)Indonesia's recovery was already slowing several months before the events of September 11. Political instability had raised social tensions and slowed reforms--fueling capital flight, alarming investors, and delaying official external finance for development. Progress on bank restructuring had slowed and the debt of financially strapped corporations remained largely unresolved. Corruption flourished, unchecked by a justice system that itself was corroded. Regional tensions increased even as the country embarked upon an ambitious decentralization program. And, if real wages are any indication, progress on poverty reduction--encouraging in 1999 and 2000-ground to a halt. Although markets initially welcomed President Megawati Soekarnoputri into office, the new administration has made little progress on structural and governnance reforms in her first one hundred days in office, thus renewing nervousness in markets and worrying external donors and creditors. The events of September 11 have emphatically underscored the urgency of Indonesia's reform priorities. but donors need to be realistic about what is feasible, given strong vested interests, severe institutional weaknesses, the uncertainties arising from decentralization, and a turbulent transition to democracy. Progress is most needed in the key areas of structural reforms, good governance, and empowering and investing in the poor.Publication Managing Subnational Credit and Default Risks(2010-07-01)As a result of worldwide decentralization, subnational debt is rising. Subnational debt crises in major developing countries in the 1990s have led to strengthened regulatory frameworks for subnational borrowing and insolvency. With the fragility of the global recovery and increasing public debt, and the structural trends of decentralization and urbanization, it becomes more important to prudently manage subnational default risks. Although the regulatory frameworks share central features, the historical context and entry points for reform drive variations across countries. Addressing soft budget constraints is integral to the regulatory framework. Ex ante fiscal rules for subnational governments attempt to limit default risks; ex post regulation predictably allocates default risk, while providing breathing space for orderly debt restructuring and fiscal adjustment, as well as the continued delivery of essential public services. The regulatory reforms are inseparable from the reform of broader intergovernmental fiscal systems and financial markets.
Users also downloaded
Showing related downloaded files
Publication The Journey Ahead(Washington, DC: World Bank, 2024-10-31)The Journey Ahead: Supporting Successful Migration in Europe and Central Asia provides an in-depth analysis of international migration in Europe and Central Asia (ECA) and the implications for policy making. By identifying challenges and opportunities associated with migration in the region, it aims to inform a more nuanced, evidencebased debate on the costs and benefits of cross-border mobility. Using data-driven insights and new analysis, the report shows that migration has been an engine of prosperity and has helped address some of ECA’s demographic and socioeconomic disparities. Yet, migration’s full economic potential remains untapped. The report identifies multiple barriers keeping migration from achieving its full potential. Crucially, it argues that policies in both origin and destination countries can help maximize the development impacts of migration and effectively manage the economic, social, and political costs. Drawing from a wide range of literature, country experiences, and novel analysis, The Journey Ahead presents actionable policy options to enhance the benefits of migration for destination and origin countries and migrants themselves. Some measures can be taken unilaterally by countries, whereas others require close bilateral or regional coordination. The recommendations are tailored to different types of migration— forced displacement as well as high-skilled and low-skilled economic migration—and from the perspectives of both sending and receiving countries. This report serves as a comprehensive resource for governments, development partners, and other stakeholders throughout Europe and Central Asia, where the richness and diversity of migration experiences provide valuable insights for policy makers in other regions of the world.Publication Economic Recovery(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2021-04-06)World Bank Group President David Malpass spoke about the world facing major challenges, including COVID, climate change, rising poverty and inequality and growing fragility and violence in many countries. He highlighted vaccines, working closely with Gavi, WHO, and UNICEF, the World Bank has conducted over one hundred capacity assessments, many even more before vaccines were available. The World Bank Group worked to achieve a debt service suspension initiative and increased transparency in debt contracts at developing countries. The World Bank Group is finalizing a new climate change action plan, which includes a big step up in financing, building on their record climate financing over the past two years. He noted big challenges to bring all together to achieve GRID: green, resilient, and inclusive development. Janet Yellen, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, mentioned focusing on vulnerable people during the pandemic. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, focused on giving everyone a fair shot during a sustainable recovery. All three commented on the importance of tackling climate change.Publication Media and Messages for Nutrition and Health(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2020-06)The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has experienced rapid and significant economic growth over the past decade. However, poor nutritional outcomes remain a concern. Rates of childhood undernutrition are particularly high in remote, rural, and upland areas. Media have the potential to play an important role in shaping health and nutrition–related behaviors and practices as well as in promoting sociocultural and economic development that might contribute to improved nutritional outcomes. This report presents the results of a media audit (MA) that was conducted to inform the development and production of mass media advocacy and communication strategies and materials with a focus on maternal and child health and nutrition that would reach the most people from the poorest communities in northern Lao PDR. Making more people aware of useful information, essential services and products and influencing them to use these effectively is the ultimate goal of mass media campaigns, and the MA measures the potential effectiveness of media efforts to reach this goal. The effectiveness of communication channels to deliver health and nutrition messages to target beneficiaries to ensure maximum reach and uptake can be viewed in terms of preferences, satisfaction, and trust. Overall, the four most accessed media channels for receiving information among communities in the study areas were village announcements, mobile phones, television, and out-of-home (OOH) media. Of the accessed media channels, the top three most preferred channels were village announcements (40 percent), television (26 percent), and mobile phones (19 percent). In terms of trust, village announcements were the most trusted source of information (64 percent), followed by mobile phones (14 percent) and television (11 percent). Hence of all the media channels, village announcements are the most preferred, have the most satisfied users, and are the most trusted source of information in study communities from four provinces in Lao PDR with some of the highest burden of childhood undernutrition.Publication Remarks at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2021-10-12)World Bank Group President David Malpass discussed biodiversity and climate change being closely interlinked, with terrestrial and marine ecosystems serving as critically important carbon sinks. At the same time climate change acts as a direct driver of biodiversity and ecosystem services loss. The World Bank has financed biodiversity conservation around the world, including over 116 million hectares of Marine and Coastal Protected Areas, 10 million hectares of Terrestrial Protected Areas, and over 300 protected habitats, biological buffer zones and reserves. The COVID pandemic, biodiversity loss, climate change are all reminders of how connected we are. The recovery from this pandemic is an opportunity to put in place more effective policies, institutions, and resources to address biodiversity loss.Publication South Asia Development Update, April 2024: Jobs for Resilience(Washington, DC: World Bank, 2024-04-02)South Asia is expected to continue to be the fastest-growing emerging market and developing economy (EMDE) region over the next two years. This is largely thanks to robust growth in India, but growth is also expected to pick up in most other South Asian economies. However, growth in the near-term is more reliant on the public sector than elsewhere, whereas private investment, in particular, continues to be weak. Efforts to rein in elevated debt, borrowing costs, and fiscal deficits may eventually weigh on growth and limit governments' ability to respond to increasingly frequent climate shocks. Yet, the provision of public goods is among the most effective strategies for climate adaptation. This is especially the case for households and farms, which tend to rely on shifting their efforts to non-agricultural jobs. These strategies are less effective forms of climate adaptation, in part because opportunities to move out of agriculture are limited by the region’s below-average employment ratios in the non-agricultural sector and for women. Because employment growth is falling short of working-age population growth, the region fails to fully capitalize on its demographic dividend. Vibrant, competitive firms are key to unlocking the demographic dividend, robust private investment, and workers’ ability to move out of agriculture. A range of policies could spur firm growth, including improved business climates and institutions, the removal of financial sector restrictions, and greater openness to trade and capital flows.