This Selected Issues paper analyzes structural transformation and export diversification in Cameroon. Cameroonian authorities aim for the structural transformation of the economy and export diversification because of their well-known benefits. Structural transformation and export diversification reinforce each other. Structural transformation of the economy and diversification of exports are key development priorities for Cameroon. They intend to achieve this objective through import substitution policy. However, empirical literature points out those horizontal policies, such as investments in human capital and infrastructure and governance improvement, are not only the most effective to foster structural transformation and export diversification, but also a necessary condition for the success of any industrial policy. Despite a longstanding objective of the country to industrialize, its manufacturing has been persistently sluggish, and its exports were concentrated in minerals, fuel, and raw commodities in less diversified destinations outside Africa. Therefore, it is advisable that the authorities concentrate efforts on those areas as a priority because the country’s related performance has substantial deficits.
Policymakers across the world are striving to tackle the century-defining challenge of climate change without undermining potential growth. This paper examines the impact of structural reforms in the energy sector (electricity and gas) on enviromental outcomes and green growth indicators in a panel of 25 advanced economies during the period 1970-2020. We obtain striking results. First, while structural reforms so far failed in reducing greenhouse gas emissions per capita, there is some evidence for greater effectiveness in lowering emissions per unit of GDP. Second, although energy reforms are not associated with higher supply of renewable energy as a share of total energy supply, they appear to stimulate a sustained increase in environmental inventions and patents per capita over the medium term. We also find strong evidence of nonlinear effects, with market-friendly energy reforms leading to better environmental outcomes and green growth in countries with stronger environmental regulations. Looking forward, therefore, structural reforms should be designed not just for market efficiency but also for green growth.
Labor Market Implications for Green Investments and Carbon Pricing in Spain green policies; input-output matrix; employment; occupations; skills ABSTRACT: We provide a tractable framework for assessing the labor market impact of policies that support the green transition of the Spanish economy, taking into account input-output linkages. We present illustrative examples that quantify changes in sectoral employment, occupations and skills stemming from two different green policies: (i) the announced green investments in the recovery plan; and (ii) an increase in carbon pricing and an expansion of the EU Emission Trading System (ETS). Our analysis shows that the labor market impact of these two policies is net positive, although the results depend on the design of the green policies, particularly on the use of the proceeds from the increase in carbon pricing. Strengthening active labor market policies, with a focus on training, and complementing them with education policies such as the expansion of vocational training, would facilitate the transition of workers from shrinking to expanding sectors.
We provide a tractable framework for assessing the labor market impact of policies that support the green transition of the Spanish economy, taking into account input-output linkages. We present illustrative examples that quantify changes in sectoral employment, occupations and skills stemming from two different green policies: (i) the announced green investments in the recovery plan; and (ii) an increase in carbon pricing and an expansion of the EU Emission Trading System (ETS). Our analysis shows that the labor market impact of these two policies is net positive, although the results depend on the design of the green policies, particularly on the use of the proceeds from the increase in carbon pricing. Strengthening active labor market policies, with a focus on training, and complementing them with education policies such as the expansion of vocational training, would facilitate the transition of workers from shrinking to expanding sectors.
This Selected Issues paper focuses on labor productivity dynamics in Spain. Labor productivity has been a long-standing structural challenge in Spain. Productivity performance has been weak across several dimensions: labor productivity levels are significantly lower than in some peer economies, its growth rate has been low and not favored convergence, and differences in output per hour worked across Spanish regions is considerable. In the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis, labor productivity in Spain exhibited a counter-cyclical pattern driven by the large reduction in employment. Total factor productivity (TFP) has been consistently low and lagging peers for decades. Sustained policy focus on raising productivity will be important to increase living standards, help rebuild fiscal buffers and make growth more inclusive. The empirical analysis benefits from the rich information in firm financial statements to provide a deep-dive study on differences across firms based on their size and age. Firm-level characteristics, such as balance sheet health and growth potentials, have also shown to be significant determinants for firm investment.
Mr. Pragyan Deb, Davide Furceri, Mr. Jonathan David Ostry, and Nour Tawk
Lockdowns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have reduced overall energy demand but electricity generation from renewable sources has been resilient. While this partly reflects the trend increase in renewables, the empirical analysis presented in this paper highlights that recessions result in a permanent, albeit small, increase in energy efficiency and in the share of renewables in total electricity. These effects are stronger in the case of advanced economies and when complemented with environment and energy policies—both market-based measures such as taxes on pollutants, trading schemes and feed-in-tariffs, as well as non-market measures such as emission and fuel standards and R&D investment and subsidies—to incentivize and hasten the transition towards renewable sources of energy.