Obstacles to Transforming Centrally-Planned Economies

Download or read book Obstacles to Transforming Centrally-Planned Economies written by Mr.Jacob A. Frenkel and published by International Monetary Fund. This book was released on 1991-07-01 with total page 19 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This paper identifies obstacles hindering the transformation of centrally-planned economies (CPEs) into well-functioning market economies. The obstacles identified relate to (i) anticipatory dynamics, (ii) monetary overhang and the budget, and (iii) underdeveloped credit markets. It is demonstrated that these obstacles inhibit the effectiveness of price reform, monetary and credit policies, and trade liberalization. The analysis focuses on various ways to remove the obstacles. In this regard, a special examination is made of the implications of “cleaning” the balance sheets of enterprises and banks from nonperforming loans, as well as ways to enhance credibility. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of sequencing, “safety nets,” and their associated obstacles.