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How Tight Is Too Tight? A Look at Welfare Implications of Distortionary Policies in Uzbekistan
Author:
Mr. David A. Grigorian
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and
Mr. Edward R Gemayel
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Series:
IMF Working Papers
Volume/Issue:
Volume 2005: Issue 239
Language:
English
Publication Date:
01 Dec 2005
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5089/9781451862584.001
ISBN:
9781451862584
ISSN:
1018-5941
Pages:
32
Keywords:
WP; cash; convertibility; convertibility restriction
Legal-disclaimer:
IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.
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Since independence in 1991, Uzbekistan has pursued a gradual approach to the transition from planned to market economy. This approach relied heavily on trade controls, directed credit, and large public investments. A number of financial sector measures were also instituted that distorted resource allocation and increased transaction costs. As a result, while possibly preventing the contraction of output in the early 1990s, these policies led to disappointing economic outcomes and social conditions. The paper reviews the underlying distortions and presents survey-based evidence to support their existence and their detrimental impact on economic activity. Looking forward, the paper-using a representative agent framework to model existing financial sector distortions-offers some guidance regarding the likely implications of eliminating the observed distortions on key aggregate variables. It suggests that the elimination of these distortions will enhance welfare and lead to increased investment and capital stock.
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Cover IMF Working Papers
IMF Working Papers
ISSN:
1018-5941
Publisher:
International Monetary Fund