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Perceptions of Economic Mobility and Support for Education Reforms
Shi Jie Yin Hang· 2024-11-12 23:03
lic Disclosure Authori Policy Research Working Paper 10966 Perceptions of Economic Mobility and Support for Education Reforms Alexandru Cojocaru Michael Lokshin Iván Torre WORLD BANK GROUP Europe and Central Asia Region & Poverty and Equity Global Practice November 2024 ic Disclosure Authori Policy Research Working Paper 10966 Abstract This paper investigates the relationship between the expec- tations of economic mobility and support for tax-financed education reforms using data from the Life in Transition ...
Green Competitiveness in Ethiopia
Shi Jie Yin Hang· 2024-11-12 23:03
Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry but emphasizes the critical importance of green competitiveness for Ethiopia's economy, particularly in the context of sustainability regulations and climate change impacts. Core Insights - Environmental and climate factors are increasingly shaping Ethiopia's economic competitiveness, with significant implications for key sectors such as coffee, textiles, cut flowers, and aviation [20][21][25] - The report highlights the urgency of addressing sustainability challenges, particularly in the coffee sector, while also identifying opportunities for growth through renewable energy and vertical integration in value chains [25][30][32] Summary by Sections 1. Assessing Green Competitiveness in Ethiopia - The report provides a high-level assessment of how climate change and environmental degradation impact Ethiopia's economic competitiveness, particularly in critical sectors [20][21] - It notes that Ethiopia has lost economic momentum due to various crises, including the suspension of duty-free access to the U.S. market [20] 2. Supply-Side Impacts from Climate Change - Ethiopia's economy is highly vulnerable to climate change, with projected cumulative economic losses expected to rise significantly by 2030 [22][26] - The report discusses direct impacts on agriculture and indirect effects on production, such as supply chain disruptions and hydropower generation [22][26] 3. Demand for Sustainability - A growing number of sustainability requirements in key export markets are reshaping market access conditions for Ethiopian firms [22][23] - The report emphasizes the need for Ethiopian firms to strengthen links with international buyers to comply with sustainability regulations [22][23] 4. Sectoral Analysis - **Coffee**: The coffee sector faces significant climate risks and regulatory pressures, particularly from the EU Deforestation Regulation, which could jeopardize over 10% of Ethiopia's export revenues [28][29] - **Textiles and Apparel**: The sector is under pressure to improve sustainability practices, with a focus on reducing environmental impacts and enhancing local value addition [30][31] - **Cut Flowers**: The cut flower industry benefits from favorable climatic conditions but faces sustainability challenges related to waste management and transportation [31] - **Aviation**: Ethiopian Airlines contributes significantly to the GDP but must navigate the challenges of decarbonization and regulatory compliance in the aviation sector [32] 5. Conclusion and Policy Recommendations - The report recommends establishing a coordinating mechanism to track and analyze compliance with sustainability regulations, enhancing Ethiopia's national quality infrastructure, and promoting private sector adoption of standards [33][34][35]
Maximizing Output and Government Revenues from Mining in Developing Countries
Shi Jie Yin Hang· 2024-11-12 23:03
Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the mining industry in developing countries, but it emphasizes the need for improved governance and reduced political risk to enhance investment attractiveness. Core Insights - The report highlights the significant impact of political risk on mining investment decisions, project sizes, and the volume of ore mined, particularly for green minerals essential for energy transition [5][51] - It advocates for a progressive profit tax on mining revenues as an optimal approach to tax extraction, which would generate government revenues while minimally deterring investment [5][13] - The analysis indicates that low-quality governance and institutions in developing countries hinder the exploration and exploitation of critical minerals like copper, leading to suboptimal global production and lost revenues for host countries [5][11] Summary by Sections Introduction - The report discusses the economics of mining projects and the importance of capturing resource rents through taxation by host nations, particularly focusing on green minerals critical for energy transformation [5][6] Section 1: Dispelling Resource Rent Myths - It clarifies that resource rents can be difficult to measure and that taxation should focus on stable profits rather than unmeasurable resource rents [15][26] - The report argues against taxing resource rents on an ex-ante or ex-post basis, suggesting that stable, modest profits taxes are more effective [13][24] Section 2: Resource Rent and Surplus at Mining Projects - A theoretical model is presented to compute resource rents and analyze the impact of political risk on mining project investment and operational decisions [56][57] - The report emphasizes that the computation of rent depends on whether the capital employed is reversible or irreversible, affecting investment decisions [57] Political Risk and Investment - The report identifies that political risk is a significant factor influencing investment decisions, with projects in politically risky countries requiring higher returns to justify investment [7][9] - It suggests that reducing political risk through improved governance and infrastructure can unlock exploration and increase production from identified mineral deposits [5][12] Future Demand for Green Minerals - The report anticipates a substantial increase in demand for critical energy-transition metals by 2030, which could lead to higher prices and increased mining activity in developing countries [51][52] - However, it cautions that current global policies for decarbonization are lacking, which may hinder the anticipated growth in mining rents [53][54]
The Care Boom
Shi Jie Yin Hang· 2024-11-12 23:03
Public Disclosure Authorized THE CARE Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Shutterstock.com / Andrzej Lisowski Travel TVTC archiveGael Fostier de Moraes Nicola Duell Mohamed Ihsan Ajwad المؤسسة العامة للتدريب التقني والمـهني Technical and Vocational Training Corporation THE CARE BAddressing care through Technical OOM and Vocational Education in Saudi Arabia Gael Fostier de Moraes Nicola Duell Mohamed Ihsan Ajwad © 2024 The World Bank 1818 H Street NW, Washin ...
Caring for the Youngest
Shi Jie Yin Hang· 2024-11-12 23:03
Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the childcare industry in Uganda Core Insights - The report highlights the significant burden of childcare on women in Uganda, with 83% of women performing unpaid care work compared to 53% of men, which affects their participation in the labor market and entrepreneurial activities [17][18] - It emphasizes the lack of adequate legal and policy frameworks for center-based childcare services for children under three years of age, indicating a gap in support for this demographic [24][38] - The report identifies three pillars of childcare services: availability, affordability, and quality, and discusses the current legal and regulatory measures in place to support these pillars [25][22] Summary by Sections Introduction - The report provides an overview of Uganda's legal, policy, and institutional framework for center-based childcare for children under three years of age, aiming to inform the GROW project [17][24] - It notes that the current labor force participation rate among women in Uganda is 39%, significantly lower than that of men [17] Availability of Childcare Services - The legal framework in Uganda primarily entrusts the provision of early childhood care to the private sector and non-governmental organizations, with no public provisions for children under three [33][34] - Employer-supported childcare is largely voluntary, with ongoing efforts to reform laws to require employers to provide childcare services [33][34] Affordability of Childcare Services - The report states that fees for childcare services range from US$0.80 to US$527 per month, with no legal interventions to make childcare affordable [41][42] - Most childcare facilities are concentrated in urban areas, making access difficult for low-income families and those in rural areas [42][43] Quality of Childcare Services - The report discusses the absence of legal requirements for minimum operating hours or flexible hours for childcare centers, although some providers have adapted to meet demand [36][38] - Quality standards for childcare services are not well established, leading to disparities in service provision [26][38] Institutional Framework for Childcare Provision - The report highlights the need for a stronger institutional framework to support childcare provision, including regulations for licensing and monitoring of childcare services [26][27] Conclusions and Recommendations - The report concludes that significant reforms are needed to improve the legal and policy frameworks for childcare services for children under three, emphasizing the importance of addressing availability, affordability, and quality [24][38]
Powering Through Uncertainty
RMI· 2024-11-12 00:18
Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry. Core Insights - The report emphasizes the importance of resource adequacy (RA) in ensuring long-term power supply to meet demand amid increasing uncertainties due to the retirement of fossil fuel plants and rising electricity demand [12][13]. - It identifies four primary drivers of RA risk: load growth uncertainties, extreme weather and climate change, delays in planned resource builds, and slow transmission expansion [14][19]. - The report outlines three key strategies for regulators to mitigate RA uncertainty while transitioning to a low-carbon grid: improving planning practices, broadening the set of technologies and energy solutions, and pursuing utility business model reforms [19][35]. Summary by Sections Executive Summary - Resource adequacy has come under scrutiny as traditional power plants retire and electricity demand is forecasted to grow [12]. - The report aims to assist Western regulators in understanding RA risks and options to navigate these uncertainties [13]. Drivers of Resource Adequacy Uncertainty - **Load Growth Uncertainties**: Utilities project demand increases driven by electrification and large electric loads, but these forecasts are uncertain [16][41]. - **Extreme Weather and Climate Change**: Increased frequency of extreme weather events poses challenges for long-term RA planning [17][49]. - **Delays in Planned Resource Builds**: Over 38 GW of clean power faced project delays in 2023, with significant interconnection backlogs [18][56]. - **Slow Transmission Expansion**: Current utility plans do not meet the growing regional transmission needs, risking RA benefits [19][60]. Regulatory Strategies - **Improve Planning Practices**: Regulators should ensure utilities conduct targeted analyses and incorporate stakeholder input into planning [19][36]. - **Broaden Technologies and Solutions**: Quick-to-deploy demand-side resources and clean repowering should be leveraged to support RA [19][36]. - **Pursue Utility Business Model Reforms**: Transforming utility incentives and exploring new ratemaking structures can enhance RA investments [19][36].
The State of Fashion 2025: Challenges at every turn
麦肯锡· 2024-11-12 00:08
Investment Rating - The report indicates a cautious outlook for the fashion industry in 2025, with revenue growth expected to stabilize in the low single digits, reflecting a sluggish growth environment [28][30]. Core Insights - The fashion industry is facing a tumultuous and uncertain 2025, characterized by a cyclical slowdown, increased price sensitivity among consumers, and significant shifts in global trade dynamics [25][26]. - Despite challenges, opportunities exist for brands that can adapt quickly to market changes and consumer preferences [27][40]. - The McKinsey Global Fashion Index forecasts that non-luxury segments will drive economic profit growth for the first time since 2010, indicating a shift in market dynamics [28]. Industry Outlook - Revenue growth for the fashion industry is projected to remain low, with expectations of modest increases primarily driven by volume rather than price [49][50]. - Fashion executives are prioritizing differentiation strategies, including localization of go-to-market models and broadening price ranges to capture diverse consumer segments [51][52]. - The report highlights the importance of engaging the "Silver Generation" (over 50 years old) as a growing consumer cohort with significant spending power [35][54]. Global Economy - The report notes a significant increase in trade barriers, with a fivefold rise since 2015, impacting sourcing strategies for fashion brands [70]. - Rising costs and geopolitical tensions are prompting brands to diversify their sourcing away from China, with a focus on nearshoring and emerging markets in Asia [68][69]. - Shipping costs have surged dramatically, with a 165% increase in Asia-to-US shipping rates observed recently, further complicating supply chain dynamics [71]. Consumer Shifts - The report identifies a shift in consumer behavior towards value-driven purchasing, with increased interest in resale and off-price segments [31][54]. - AI-powered curation is expected to enhance product discovery for consumers overwhelmed by choices, improving engagement and conversion rates [34][54]. - The growing trend of cost-conscious shopping is likely to persist, influencing brand strategies to demonstrate value effectively [54].
Breaking Barriers to Women’s Employment in Azerbaijan
Shi Jie Yin Hang· 2024-11-11 23:03
Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - Women remain underrepresented in key sectors in Azerbaijan, particularly in transport, energy, and construction, with only 16.5% of the workforce in transport being female [12][54] - The report emphasizes the importance of increasing women's participation in the labor market to drive economic growth and diversification, aligning with Azerbaijan's national development priorities [13][14] - The findings highlight significant gender gaps in leadership and technical roles, necessitating coordinated efforts from policymakers and companies to support women's employment [25][36] Summary by Sections 1. Introduction - The report explores women's employment in Azerbaijan, focusing on barriers in male-dominated sectors, particularly transport [36] - It aims to provide recommendations for increasing women's participation and leadership in these sectors [14] 2. Women's Employment in Azerbaijan - Women's labor force participation is 62%, compared to 75% for men, with significant disparities in sector representation [12][54] - Women are concentrated in lower-paying sectors, with only 16.5% in transport and storage, 10.7% in energy, and 7.5% in construction [54][56] 3. Increasing Women's Participation in the Transport Sector - Gender assessments of Azerbaijan Railways and Port of Baku reveal that women account for only 17% and 8% of the workforce, respectively [18][19] - Both companies are committed to increasing female representation, with Port of Baku aiming for 20% by 2030 [20][21] 4. Best Practices on Equal Opportunity - The report presents examples of companies implementing gender equality initiatives, such as technical skills training and inclusive workplace policies [4][8] 5. Recommendations - Recommendations for policymakers include promoting women's participation in STEM fields and strengthening legislation for equal pay [28][29] - Companies are encouraged to implement strategies for gender equality, including targeted recruitment and leadership development initiatives for women [31][32][33]
Catalog of Tools, Mechanisms, and Initiatives for Reducing Gender Inequalities in Land Tenure in Senegal
Shi Jie Yin Hang· 2024-11-11 23:03
Investment Rating - The report does not provide a specific investment rating for the industry. Core Insights - The catalog documents and analyzes tools aimed at reducing gender inequalities in land tenure in Senegal, highlighting the significant challenges women face in accessing land and property rights despite their crucial role in agricultural production [10][13][22]. Summary by Sections Introduction - Secure access to housing, land, and property is essential for development, with women in Senegal accounting for 70% of the rural working population but only 6% owning farmland and 2.5% owning housing [10][11][12]. Analytical Review by Tool Category - The report categorizes initiatives into two main areas: promoting women's access to land and promoting women's participation in land governance [26]. Promoting Women's Access to Land - Tools include an integrated approach combining awareness raising, training, and advocacy, a quota system for land allocation, and financial support mechanisms to reduce costs associated with securing land tenure [28][46][57]. - The integrated approach has shown positive results, such as increased land certificates issued to women and improved understanding of their rights [29][31][37]. Promoting Women's Participation in Land Governance - Initiatives focus on establishing joint consultation frameworks and expanded land commissions to enhance women's participation in decision-making processes [67][68]. - The establishment of gender-sensitive local governance charters has been noted as a successful strategy to promote equity in land access [76][79]. Conclusion - The report emphasizes the need for continued efforts to strengthen women's land rights through various initiatives, highlighting the importance of local governance and community involvement in achieving gender equity in land tenure [44][79].
Poverty Traps in Argentina - Poverty and Equity Assessment
Shi Jie Yin Hang· 2024-11-11 23:03
Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry. Core Insights - Argentina faces persistently high poverty rates, which have shown an upward trend in recent years despite increased resources aimed at mitigating poverty. Over the past four decades, poverty has consistently affected more than 25 percent of the urban population [14][15] - The report identifies four interconnected "poverty traps" that contribute to the persistence of poverty in Argentina: fiscal imbalance and inflation, intergenerational and geographical imbalances, low productivity and income vulnerability, and increasing climate risks [24][30][38][46] Summary by Sections Executive Summary - Poverty persists despite strengthened policies aimed at reducing it, with economic dynamics limiting the ability of low and middle-income households to sustainably increase their incomes [15][14] - Real household income has declined significantly, with average per capita household income falling by over 40 percent between 2016 and 2023 [18][19] Chapter 1: Poverty in Argentina - Poverty has increased in Argentina while it has declined in most countries in the region, with the latest estimate showing a poverty rate of 10.9 percent in 2022 [55][56] - The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the poverty situation, peaking at 15.4 percent in 2020 based on the international poverty line [60] Chapter 2: Drivers of Poverty - Labor income is the largest component of total household income, but its share has declined, leading to increased reliance on public transfers [19][20] - Structural barriers and economic distortions affect productive capital accumulation, with low-income populations being more vulnerable to adverse climate events [35][37] Chapter 3: Policy Responses and Poverty Traps - Income transfer programs have been the cornerstone of anti-poverty policy, but they struggle to address structural factors limiting income generation [21][22] - The report emphasizes the need for macroeconomic stabilization and addressing structural barriers to income generation as key strategies for overcoming poverty traps [52][53]