The deep global recession has focused attention on the need for countercyclical macroeconomic policies. The scope for monetary policy was hampered by the credit freeze in the financial system, which was constrained by the accumulation of toxic assets awaiting a resolution to restore confidence...

After 1990, the Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries lowered the barriers to FDIs. Of course, many other developments were taking place at the same time: increasing openness to trade, privatization of previously government-owned production, and many other changes as these countries moved...