Applying techniques of clustering analysis to a set of variables suggested by the convergence criteria and the theory of optimal currency areas, this paper looks for country homogeneities to assess membership in the existing and proposed monetary unions of the broader west African region. Our...

Against the background of the theory of optimum currency areas, the paper analyzes possible sequences for establishing a currency union (CU) in the Middle East and Central Asia region. Between the corner solutions of independent currencies for all countries in the region and a CU comprising all...

Of the new members entering the European Union (EU) in May 2004, several had achieved a decade of impressive export growth, expanding significantly their shares of world markets. The empirical analysis shows that over the period 1994–2004, quality and technology upgrading associated with...

This 2006 Article IV Consultation highlights that following exceptional economic progress, based on macroeconomic stability and economic flexibility, imbalances and cautionary signals have emerged for Lithuania. Centered around nontraded goods production, GDP grew 7.5 percent in 2005. Most...

This paper attempts to analyse India’s changing structure of technology-intensive exports using a systemic perspective. In doing so, it explores the increasing significance of linkages between National and International System of Innovation. Technology-intensive exports from the developing...

This paper on recent developments and regional policy issues in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) discusses the recent development and trends in economic integration. Trade restrictions and an uneven application of CEMAC rules constrain external and intraregional trade....

This Selected Issues paper analyzes the main factors underlying the evolution of competitiveness, export performance, and labor market developments in Poland. The paper seeks to identify key questions of relevance for policymaking. The overall evolution of competitiveness compared with...

This Selected Issues paper for Australia highlights the dynamics of the Australian real exchange rate and its impact on Australia’s trade. The main findings are that the Australian real exchange rate is largely driven by world commodity prices and that it adjusts relatively rapidly to...