Productivity, Competitiveness and Incomes in Asia. An Evolutionary Theory of International Trade (en Inglés) - Hans-Peter Brunner;Peter M. Allen

Real competitiveness changes in six countries (Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan and Thailand) are measured from 1991 to 2000 with detailed international export unit value comparisons, to detect structural changes towards technology and knowledge intensive goods in trade patterns. No significant structural change was detected in the six countries during that period. Evolutionary trade theory is presented in two models and is calibrated with transaction and trade data from West Bengal and Nepal. These reveal that lower transport costs - resulting from investment in transport and institutional reforms related to the investment and trade environment - result initially in small productivity differences that can be amplified in a non-linear evolutionary system and eventually lead to a spatial restructuring of the system, and to a structural change in the trade patterns. The models in this path-breaking book can be used to explore the impact of a variety of interventions and policies.

Productivity, Competitiveness and Incomes in Asia will be of interest to academics and researchers in Asian Studies, industrial economics, evolutionary economics and international business development. The book will also appeal to policy makers responsible for economic growth.