Publication: Dominican Republic : Social and Structural Policy Review, Volume 2
Date
2000-03-23
ISSN
Published
2000-03-23
Author(s)
World Bank
Abstract
The report outlines the macroeconomic
stability in the Dominican Republic during the 1990s,
suggesting its strong economic growth, and poverty
reduction, will contribute to the gradual transformation the
country is undergoing towards policy reform. It analyzes
poverty, especially severe in rural areas, where misdirected
agriculture policies, and insufficient public investments,
such as education, limit opportunities. But, the advancing
trade liberalization, is expected to reduce export taxes,
and although displaced industrial, and agricultural
activities will be subjected to adjustment costs, there will
nonetheless be improvements in consumers' welfare, and
real wages. However, public resources for education remain
very low, particularly for secondary education, and this
should be considered as key element of the government's
poverty reduction strategy, in addition to the establishment
of safety nets to curtail malnutrition, and expand health,
and sanitation programs, to tackle the extreme poverty.
Recommendations suggest, first, to reduce macroeconomic
vulnerabilities, through tight fiscal, and monetary
policies, and, second, implement reforms, to prod a business
environment, and, a strengthened banking sector, through
market, and regulatory mechanisms.
Citation
“World Bank. 2000. Dominican Republic : Social and Structural Policy Review, Volume 2. © Washington, DC. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/15155 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”