Ms.Kalpana Kochhar

Ms.Era Dabla-Norris

Mrs.Nujin Suphaphiphat

Ms.Evridiki Tsounta

Mr.Frantisek Ricka

This paper analyzes the extent of income inequality from a global perspective, its drivers, and what to do about it. The drivers of inequality vary widely amongst countries, with some common drivers being the skill premium associated with technical change and globalization, weakening protection for labor, and lack of financial inclusion in developing countries. We find that increasing the income share of the poor and the middle class actually increases growth while a rising income share of the top 20 percent results in lower growth—that is, when the rich get richer, benefits do not trickle down. This suggests that policies need to be country specific but should focus on raising the income share of the poor, and ensuring there is no hollowing out of the middle class. To tackle inequality, financial inclusion is imperative in emerging and developing countries while in advanced economies, policies should focus on raising human capital and skills and making tax systems more progressive.

A Global Perspective

Causes and Consequences of Income Inequality

Ms.Monique Newiak

Mr.Benedict J. Clements

Ms.Stefania Fabrizio

Mr.Gerd Schwartz

Mr.Philippe Wingender

Ms.Katrin Elborgh-Woytek

Mr.Kangni Kpodar

The proposed SDN discusses the specific macro-critical aspects of women’s participation in the labor market and the constraints that prevent women from developing their full economic potential. Building on earlier Fund analysis, work undertaken by other organizations and academic research, the SDN presents possible policies to overcome these obstacles in different types of countries.

Women, Work, and the Economy:Macroeconomic Gains from Gender Equity

Rahul Anand

Mr.Saurabh Mishra

Structural transformation depends not only on how much countries export but also on what they export and with whom they trade. This paper breaks new ground in analyzing India’s exports by the technological content, quality, sophistication, and complexity of the export basket. We identify five priority areas for policies: (1) reduction of trade costs, at and behind the border; (2) further liberalization of FDI including through simplification of regulations and procedures; (3) improving infrastructure including in urban areas to enhance manufacturing and services in cities; (4) preparing labor resources (skills) and markets (flexibility) for the technological progress that will shape jobs in the years ahead; and (5) creating an enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship to draw the economy into higher productivity activities.

Which Exports Can Drive the Next Wave of Growth?

Make in India

Ms.Catherine A Pattillo

Ms.Yan M Sun

Mr.Andrew J Swiston

Mr.Robert Tchaidze

Valentina Flamini

Ms.Laure Redifer

Mr.Harald Finger

This paper examines water challenges, a growing global concern with adverse economic and social consequences, and discusses economic policy instruments. Water subsidies provided through public utilities are estimated at about $456 billion or 0.6 percent of global GDP in 2012. The paper suggests that getting economic incentives right, notably by reforming water pricing, can go a long way towards encouraging more efficient water use and supporting needed investment, while enabling policies that protect the poor. It also discusses pricing reform options and emphasizes an integrated and holistic approach to manage water, going beyond the water sector itself. The IMF can play a helpful role in ensuring that macroeconomic policies are conducive to sound water management.

Issues in Managing Water Challenges and Policy Instruments

Is the Glass Half Empty Or Half Full?

Ms.Sonali Jain-Chandra

Women make up a little over half of the world’s population, but their contribution to measured economic activity and growth is far below its potential. Despite significant progress in recent decades, labor markets across the world remain divided along gender lines, and progress toward gender equality seems to have stalled. The challenges of growth, job creation, and inclusion are closely intertwined. This volume brings together key research by IMF economists on issues related to gender and macroeconomics. In addition to providing policy prescriptions and case studies from IMF member countries, the chapters also look at the gender gap from an economic point of view.

Leveling the Playing Field

Women, Work, and Economic Growth

Ms.Kalpana Kochhar

Books

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