This study assesses macroeconomic volatility in Costa Rica, based largely on politically weak governments' inability or unwillingness to effect key reforms. Notable problems include volatility-prone fiscal and monetary policy, structurally weak public finances due to large domestic debts and...

This study focuses on how Latin America¿s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can participate in global markets in a way that provides for sustainable growth. In addition, it study analyzes the impact of collective efficiency on clusters upgrading and undertakes an investigation of the...

The Bank has prepared a new set of strategies, presented in this volume, for the two overarching objectives established (Sustainable Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction and Promotion of Social Equity) and for each of the four priority areas highlighted in the Institutional Strategy...

This study focuses on how Latin America¿s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can participate in global markets in a way that provides for sustainable growth. In addition, it study analyzes the impact of collective efficiency on clusters upgrading and undertakes an investigation of the...

The so-called "European model" of market integration has evolved over many decades. In particular, the original plan to integrate Europe economically via a progressive program of harmonizing national legislation has, particularly in the area of financial markets, given way to a radical...

In High Price for Change, a distinguished economist discusses the impact of Mexico's privatization on government finances, the balance of payments, and the financial market, as well as on employment, profits and productivity.

This report is a comparative study of worldwide transfer costs to nine countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and specifically at costs for immigrants to send money from major sending countries including from the United States. It also compares these international trends with costs and trends of...

This report is a comparative study of worldwide transfer costs to nine countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and specifically at costs for immigrants to send money from major sending countries including from the United States. It also compares these international trends with costs and trends of...

There is an increasing need for a system of international lending of last resort (ILLR) to provide a safety net in the event of financial crises in vulnerable countries as financial globalization deepens and spreads. Multilateral progress to address liquidity and solvency crises has been patchy...

The paper explores the incidence of sudden stops in capital flows on the incentives for building national institutions that secure property rights in a world where sovereign defaults are possible equilibrium outcomes. Also the paper builds upon the benchmark model of sovereign default and direct...