The Transition Economies After Ten Years

Author/Editor:

Stanley Fischer ; Ratna Sahay

Publication Date:

February 1, 2000

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

This paper summarizes the macroeconomic performance of the transition economies. We first review the initial conditions confronting these economies, the reform strategy that was proposed, and the associated controversies that arose a decade ago. We then account for the widely different outcomes, highlighting the role of exogenous factors and the macroeconomic and structural policies adopted by the countries. We find that both stabilization policies and structural reforms, particularly privatization, contribute to growth. We also conclude that the faster is the speed of reforms, the quicker is the recovery and the higher is growth.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2000/030

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

February 1, 2000

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451844900/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA0302000

Pages:

44

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