This publication presents a framework that emphasizes the economic and policy incentives needed to create competitive firms and national economies. It also explains the key capabilities that firms must develop in-house in order to become more competitive. The framework provides a link between...

Pakistan has launched two far reachingsocial protection programs. The federal government’s Benazir Income Support Program has, at its core, an unconditional cash grant for the poorest households. Responding to the concern that this runs the risk of creating a large pool of permanent government...

The textiles and garments (T&G) sector accounts for almost 50% of Pakistan’s exports and is the largest component of manufacturing. T&G sector, because of recent favorable developments for the industry in Pakistan and the expected future changes in the international trade structure for the...

Pakistan has seen strong economic growth in recent years accompanied by a reduction in poverty. However, growth has been concentrated, which has meant that regional and inter-personal disparities are on the rise. In a contestable political environment, this casts a shadow on the sustainability...

Pakistan has seen strong economic growth in recent years accompanied by a reduction in poverty. However, growth has been concentrated, which has meant that regional and inter-personal disparities are on the rise. In a contestable political environment, this casts a shadow on the sustainability...

This article argues that a new growth vent in Pakistan requires tapping into external lucrative markets in a manner that will create multiple entre-ports for growth. Such a growth vent will enable the country to achieve a sustained growth path that is not as susceptible to the political...

This monograph has been prepared by Dr Ijaz Nabi with assistance from Abdul Malik, Rabin Hattari (World Bank), Turab Husain, Adeel Shafqat, Sana Anwaar, and Ammar Rashid (Lahore University of Management Sciences).

Pakistan s population is growing and becoming more urbanized. By 2020, Karachi and Lahore will each have a population of well over 10 million people and several other cities will have a population of at least one million. These trends offer both risks and opportunities. Badly managed urban...

The report starts with an overview and introduces the main findings. It addresses major constraints, instruments, and outcomes important to unleash the potential of infrastructure investments and policy fine-tuning. Chapter one discusses the infrastructure and growth nexus, given the country's...

This essay reviews the traumatic experience of Thailand's economy during 1997-1999, describes the policy response, and draws lessons for the future. Whereas the country's economic performance until 1996, was exemplary within the developing world - consistent growing, high gross domestic product...