Microfinance institutions (MFIs) are often seen by aid practitioners as a manifestly effective means of improving the position of the poor. However, detailed research studies have been much more guarded about their impact. In particular, several studies have raised doubts about the effectiveness...

This paper explores the competitive threat posed by the People's Republic of China to markets in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). It focuses on the impact of PRC's rise as a major exporter of manufactures, but it also considers bilateral trade between LAC and PRC. In response to falling...

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) are often seen by aid practitioners as a manifestly effective means of improving the position of the poor. However, detailed research studies have been much more guarded about their impact. In particular, several studies have raised doubts about the effectiveness...