Global Economic and Development Policies

SouthViews No. 163, 12 February 2018

Stock market turmoil may expose flaws in global finance

By Martin Khor

Was last week’s global stock market sell-off only a “correction” or does it signify a new period of financial instability, caused by major flaws in the world financial system? (more…)

Research Paper 84, February 2018

Playing with Financial Fire: A South Perspective on the International Financial System

By Andrew Cornford

Playing with Fire (PWF) is a continuation of the analysis of the integration of Emerging and Developing Economies (EDEs) into the international financial system which Yılmaz Akyüz has carried out in his roles as senior economist for many years responsible for UNCTAD’s Trade and Development Report and Chief Economist at the South Centre. The treatment covers cross-border financial flows, increased commercial presence of foreign financial institutions in EDEs and their increased participation in their local financial markets as well as policy and regulatory issues. PWF deploys data on major cross-border financial flows on a gross as well as a net basis. This innovative approach facilitates identification of financial stability issues posed by the increased participation of EDEs in international financial markets.

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Research Paper 83, November 2017

China’s Debt Problem and Rising Systemic Risks: Impact of the global financial crisis and structural problems

The fast expansion of China’s debt, in particular corporate and local government debt, has attracted international attention and has also become a major concern of China’s policy makers. Even though China can tolerate a higher debt level than many other emerging and developing economies owing to the sheer size and other special features of the Chinese economy, systemic risks for financial stability have been rising since the global financial crisis and the cushions built in the past decades to withstand a higher debt level have also been weakened. (more…)

Statement, November 2017

South Centre Statement for the UNCTAD Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Financing for Development

Below is the statement by the South Centre during the first session of the UNCTAD Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Financing for Development (IGE Ffd) held in Geneva on 8-10 November 2017.

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SC Book Launch, 10 November 2017

Title:               “Another Crisis in the Making?” Book Launch of Dr. Yilmaz Akyuz’s Playing with Fire,

                          Deepened Financial Integration and Changing Vulnerabilities of the Global South

Date:                Friday, 10  November 2017, 13h00-15h00

Venue:             Room XXII, Palais des Nations, the United Nations Office in Geneva

Organizers:   The South Centre

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Research Paper 80, October 2017

The Commodity-Finance Nexus: Twin Boom and Double Whammy

International commodity prices and capital inflows to developing countries are increasingly synchronized, subjecting commodity-dependent economies to double boom-bust cycles.  (more…)

Contribution to UNCTAD IGE FFD, November 2017

Input of the South Centre to the UNCTAD Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Financing for Development

This   is   a   contribution   by   the   South   Centre   to   the   first   session   of   the   UNCTAD Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Financing for Development (IGE-FFD) that will take place on 8-10 November 2017. (more…)

SouthViews No. 155, 25 October 2017

The Trump tax reform plan is likely to negatively affect developing countries

By Yuefen LI

The Trump administration has proposed a tax reform framework to the US Congress. Major components are a large reduction in the corporate tax rate, changes to the way US profits currently earned abroad are taxed, and how past profits parked abroad are treated if brought home. All these reforms if accepted by Congress, will most likely have adverse effects for developing countries, including by increasing capital flows from and reducing FDI to them. (more…)

Statement, October 2017

South Centre Statement to the Ministerial Meeting of the Group of 24

Below is the statement by the South Centre’s Executive Director Mr. Martin Khor which was distributed during the Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Twenty-four held in Washington DC on 12 October 2017.

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SC Book Launch, 9 October 2017

Title:               Advice and Dissent – Dr. Y.V. Reddy’s Life in Public Service

Date:                Monday, 9 October 2017, 13:00-15:00H

Venue:             Julius Nyerere Conference Room, The South Centre, Geneva

Organizers:    The South Centre

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