This volume presents a selection of mainly empirical contributions which address growth potentials and potentials for growth in Europe and the OECD. The contributions offer a national-level as well as a firm-level perspective on these issues Given this rather broad view, the volume should be of...

This cross-country paper explains differences in external sector performance among four large euro area countries—France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The paper discusses that during 2001–04, the performance of the external sector differed markedly among these four largest euro area countries....

In View of the continuation of substantial movements in exchange rate relationships among major currencies, the recent increase in protectionist pressures, and the disappointing performance of world trade, renewed concern has been expressed about the possible adverse effects of exchange rate...

In this paper we estimate gravity models to see whether trade volumes of countries in the MENA region are significantly lower than what would be expected given their economic, cultural and geographical characteristics. Our empirical results show that the variables used in standard gravity models...

China's economic reforms over the past two decades have brought tremendous economic transformation, rapid growth, and closer integration into the global economy. Real income per capita has increased fivefold, raising millions of Chinese out of poverty. Despite these achievements, difficult...

The IMF’s World Economic Outlook is packed with country specific facts, figures, and worldwide projections that present the outlook for growth, inflation, trade, and other economic developments in a clear, practical format. Leading international economists pull together the latest data on key...

In an ever-shrinking world, the intricate web of international trade has bound nations together in unprecedented ways. The flow of goods, services and ideas across borders is a testament to human ingenuity and cooperation. Yet, the ripples of economic crises, whether spurred by financial...