Industry Investment Rating - The report highlights Mexico as a prime candidate for nearshoring, particularly for the automotive industry, due to its competitive advantages such as lower labor, energy, and transport costs, as well as proximity to the US market [4][11][12] Core Viewpoints - Mexico has become a leading destination for automotive companies due to its significant cost advantages, strong supplier base, and favorable trade agreements [4][11][12] - The country received USD 43.9 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2023, making it one of the top 15 FDI-receiving countries globally [3][16] - Mexico offers a 35% total landed-cost advantage over China, with labor costs 30% lower than in China, and this gap is expected to widen through 2030 [19][20][21] - 78% of surveyed automotive OEMs and suppliers are either conducting or assessing nearshoring to Mexico, with assembly operations being the most cited fit [5][6] Summary by Sections Introduction: Nearshoring – Coming to a Place Near You - Globalization has faced challenges due to geopolitical tensions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Ukraine war, leading companies to shift production closer to major markets like the US and China [9] - Nearshoring is becoming a trend, with Mexico emerging as a key destination for automotive companies [9][10] Why Mexico? Competitive Advantages - Mexico offers lower nominal hourly wages and electricity costs compared to China and Vietnam, making it a cost-effective manufacturing hub [12][14] - The country benefits from its proximity to the US, lower transport risks, and a robust automotive supplier base [4][11] - US FDI outflows to Mexico have surged, surpassing those to China, with USD 10 billion in 2022 and USD 43.9 billion in 2023 [3][16] Manufacturing Costs in Mexico vs. China - Mexico has a 35% landed-cost advantage over China, driven by lower labor and freight costs, with the gap expected to grow to 45% by 2030 [19][20][21] - Shipping costs from Mexico to the US are 56% lower than from East Asia, with 90% of freight traveling by ground transport [20] Automotive Industry Opportunities - Mexico's proximity to the US enhances its appeal for automotive manufacturers, offering benefits such as improved quality control, cost efficiency, and supply chain visibility [27] - Recent US regulations, including the USMCA and the Inflation Reduction Act, further boost Mexico's attractiveness for automotive production [28][29] Investment Trends in Mexico - Major automotive companies like GM, Tesla, BMW, Volkswagen, and ZF Group have announced significant investments in Mexico, focusing on electric vehicle production [34] - Vehicle production in Mexico is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% between 2021 and 2029, outpacing North American production growth [35][36] Best-Fit Automotive Sectors for Nearshoring - Assembly operations, wiring, chassis, and body structures are the most viable components for nearshoring to Mexico, with significant cost savings compared to China [6][40][41] - EV powertrains are expected to become a high-potential category for nearshoring as EV production increases [42][43] Planning and Execution for Nearshoring - Key success factors for nearshoring to Mexico include navigating bureaucracy, mitigating security risks, adapting to cultural differences, and ensuring cost-competitive production [44] - Companies must also consider access to a capable supply base, skilled labor, and key resources like energy and water [44][45]

Industry Overview - The report focuses on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, particularly Egypt, where public sector employment is disproportionately high, with 22% of total employment in the public sector (18% for men and 42% for women) [11] - The public sector in Egypt employs a significant share of highly educated workers, with 25% of men and two-thirds of women with college education working in the public sector [11] - The study develops a general equilibrium model to analyze the optimal size of the public sector and the public sector premium, which is the wage premium paid to public sector workers compared to private sector workers [5] Core Findings - Aligning the public sector premium with its optimal level could result in aggregate efficiency gains of 12% for output per worker and 8% for total factor productivity (TFP) in Egypt [5] - The optimal public sector premium is positive for women but approaches zero for men, preventing a shift of mid-high-level skilled women from the public sector to non-market activities and a contraction of the male entrepreneurial sector [5] - A reduced female public sector premium fosters greater female labor force participation in market activities through an expansion of the female entrepreneurial sector, which increases the demand for production labor and drives wages up [5] Model Insights - The model incorporates three sectors: private, public, and home production, with women having the option to engage in home production [9] - In the private sector, individuals can run their own businesses or work as production workers, while in the public sector, individuals are employed as production workers or managers, with managerial roles receiving a gender-specific premium [10] - The optimal size of the public sector depends on the efficiency level of public goods in increasing the productivity of the private sector, with higher elasticity of private output to public goods leading to a larger optimal public sector size [8] Calibration and Results - The model is calibrated using data from Egypt, where public sector employment is significantly higher than the average of 108 non-MENA economies [11] - Reducing the public sector premium from the current level to the optimal level would decrease the size of the public sector from 22% to about 8% and increase female entrepreneurial activities [13] - The optimal talent allocation in Egypt requires a decrease in the average public sector premium from 22% to 13%, with the premium remaining positive for women and close to zero for men [13] Efficiency Gains - The study shows that reducing the public sector premium and the size of the public sector to their optimal levels yields aggregate efficiency gains of 12% for output per worker and 8% for TFP in Egypt [12] - The lower the elasticity of private sector output to public goods, the higher the productivity gains from reducing the public sector premium and the share of public sector employment [12] - The optimal public sector premium and employment share vary by gender, with women requiring a higher premium and a larger share of public sector employment compared to men to maximize aggregate productivity [92]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the financial sector in Yemen, but it highlights the critical need for reforms and regulatory frameworks to stabilize the sector and promote economic recovery [17][28]. Core Insights - The Yemeni economy is heavily reliant on cash due to years of conflict, which has hindered the development of formal banking and financial infrastructure, leading to limited financial inclusion and widespread informality [17][18]. - The ongoing conflict has resulted in two parallel central banks, creating inconsistencies in regulatory standards and complicating compliance for financial institutions [19][20]. - Money exchangers have become increasingly important in the Yemeni economy, providing essential financial services and credit that traditional banks are unable to offer due to liquidity constraints and operational challenges [22][26]. - The demand for credit in Yemen significantly exceeds supply, with estimates suggesting that the demand is 5 to 8 times greater than the available credit, highlighting a critical gap in financial access for businesses [28]. Summary by Sections Executive Summary - The report emphasizes the deepening reliance on cash in Yemen's economy and the limitations of the formal banking sector, which has led to a significant portion of economic activity occurring outside the regulatory framework [17][18]. Chapter 1: The Central Bank - The chapter discusses the dual central banking system in Yemen, with CBY-Aden recognized internationally and CBY-Sana'a under Houthi control, leading to regulatory inconsistencies and challenges in compliance [19][20]. Chapter 2: The Banking Sector - The banking sector's limited footprint is highlighted, with a significant decline in risk-weighted assets and a shift towards government securities, indicating a state of financial repression [21]. - The introduction of an anti-usury law poses additional challenges for traditional banks, potentially diminishing their role in the economy [21]. Chapter 3: Money Transfer & Exchange Services - Money exchangers have emerged as key players in the financial landscape, providing services that banks cannot, and their liquidity-focused business model gives them an advantage in the cash-dominated economy [22][26]. - The chapter underscores the need for regulatory frameworks to oversee money exchangers, as their unregulated status poses risks to financial stability [23][24]. Chapter 4: Access to Finance - The report identifies significant barriers to credit access for firms, with a focus on the unmet demand for credit and the role of microfinance institutions in filling some gaps [28]. - Recommendations include promoting digital financial services and improving credit guarantee schemes to enhance access to finance for SMEs [32].

Policy Research Working Paper 10964 Yielding Insights Machine Learning-Driven Imputations to Filling Agricultural Data Gaps Ismaël Yacoubou Djima Marco Tiberti Talip Kilic WORLD BANK GROUP Development Economics Development Data Group November 2024 lic Disclosure Authori ic Disclosure Authori Policy Research Working Paper 10964 Abstract This paper addresses the challenge of missing crop yield data in large-scale agricultural surveys, where crop-cutting, the most accurate method for yield measurement, is ofte ...

Investment Rating - The report does not provide a specific investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The paper emphasizes the interdependence of product market regulations (PMR) and labor market regulations (LMR), highlighting the necessity for tailored approaches to labor market promotion rather than uniform policies [2][9] - It identifies that PMR can enhance competition, leading to increased productivity and consumer welfare, while also positively impacting employment and wages [11][12] - The review underscores the importance of understanding the interactions between PMR and LMR for effective policy-making aimed at improving labor market outcomes [19][21] Summary by Sections Introduction - The introduction outlines the significance of regulations in shaping efficient and inclusive labor markets, focusing on the impacts of PMR and LMR on labor market outcomes [8] Methodology - The methodology section clarifies that the review aims to provide a comprehensive picture of how PMR and LMR affect various labor market outcomes across different contexts [26] Product Market Regulations - PMR significantly influence labor market outcomes by altering competition levels, which in turn affects employment demand and wage dynamics [41][42] - The review discusses various types of PMR, including those that promote competition and those that liberalize firm operations, and their implications for labor market conditions [23][36] Labor Market Regulations - The effects of LMR, such as minimum wage laws and employment protection legislation, are analyzed, showing their impact on living standards, productivity, and social cohesion [24][15] - Evidence suggests that binding LMR can enhance job security but may also have mixed effects on wages and productivity [16][17] Interaction between PMR and LMR - The report highlights the need for coherent design of PMR and LMR reforms, as their interactions can either mitigate or exacerbate labor market responses to regulatory changes [19][20] - It emphasizes that the effectiveness of PMR and LMR is context-dependent, varying by country and market conditions [35][44] Conclusion - The conclusion reiterates the importance of understanding the complex relationships between PMR and LMR to formulate effective labor market policies [25]

ORLD BANK GROUP 6 R UE 2024 ★ GHANA RBON Public Disclosure Authorized ublic Disclosure Authorized ublic Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized © 2024 The World Bank Group 1818 H Street NW, Washington DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000 | Internet: www.worldbank.org Disclaimer The content of this report does not reflect the official opinion of the project sponsors or their partner organization. Responsibility for the information and views expressed therein lies entirely with the authors. Please cite ...

Investment Rating - The report indicates a strong commitment to mobilizing private sector solutions for development, with a record investment of $56 billion in fiscal year 2024, including over $22 billion mobilized from partners [3][24][31]. Core Insights - The World Bank Group is enhancing its operational effectiveness to address intertwined global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and food insecurity, with a commitment to provide electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030 [4][16]. - The IFC is focusing on innovative financial instruments and partnerships to boost private sector investment in emerging markets, aiming to increase annual guarantee issuance to $20 billion by 2030 [10][38]. - The report emphasizes the importance of digital transformation, with a digital lending portfolio totaling $5.6 billion as of June 2024, aimed at establishing the foundations of a digital economy in developing countries [17][19]. Summary by Sections Leadership Perspectives - The leadership highlights the need for a better bank to tackle pressing global challenges and emphasizes the importance of partnerships with the private sector [4][10][20]. Results - The World Bank Group committed $117.5 billion in fiscal 2024, with $31.7 billion from IFC, reflecting a significant increase in financing to address development needs [4][56]. - The IFC's net income for fiscal 2024 was $1.485 billion, with total assets amounting to $108.187 billion [58]. Strategy in Action - The IFC is channeling 45% of its annual financing to climate action by 2025, focusing on both mitigation and adaptation efforts [15][7]. - The report outlines the establishment of the Private Sector Investment Lab to address barriers to private sector investment in emerging markets [38][39]. Critical Functions - The report discusses the Global Emerging Markets Risk Database (GEMS) Consortium, which aims to enhance transparency and mobilize private investment in emerging markets [39]. - The Knowledge Compact for Action is introduced as a strategy to leverage knowledge and expertise in crafting development plans [40][41].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the Australian general insurance industry Core Insights - Australian general insurers are facing challenges such as frequent natural disasters, rising claims costs, and regulatory scrutiny, which are impacting their financial performance and making insurance less affordable for consumers [2][4] - To improve productivity, insurers should consider three major levers: enhancing labor productivity, improving IT productivity, and optimizing third-party spending [5][10] Summary by Sections Industry Challenges - The underwriting costs for general insurers have increased by approximately 20% over the last seven years due to climate risks and the need for compliance and technology modernization [3] - Costs have risen by about 20% for incumbents and 37% for international insurers, while challenger businesses have seen costs more than double [4][6] Productivity Levers - Insurers are expected to focus on efficiency and productivity improvements over the next three to five years, learning from global peers [5] - The three primary levers identified for driving productivity are: 1. **Labor Productivity**: Aligning 50-60% of the cost base to global best practices can lead to productivity improvements of 20-40% through zero-based redesign and strategic partnerships [11][12] 2. **IT Productivity**: Targeting 20-30% of the cost base through technology modernization and simplification can yield significant productivity gains [15][17] 3. **Third-Party Spend**: Optimizing procurement and external spending can target an additional 10-20% of the cost base [10][15] Implementation Strategies - Effective performance management is crucial for translating strategy into action, with global insurers demonstrating success through ambitious targets and visibility of key performance indicators [18] - Insurers are encouraged to ask critical questions regarding their productivity strategies and the role of technology in enhancing efficiency [18]

WORLD BANK GROUP EALTH TAXES A series on Fiscal Policy & Health Knowledge Note Saving Lives while Raising Revenue: Opportunities in Brazil's reform of indirect taxes to improve Tobacco, Alcohol, and Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Excise Taxes Disclosure Auth olic Disclosure Autho | --- | --- | |--------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ...

olic Disclosure Auth The regulation of platform-based work: Recent regulatory initiatives and insights for developing countries olic Disclosure Authoriz olic Disclosure Autho Disclosyre Authoriz Maho Hatayama Dagmara Maj-Swistak ORLD BANK GROUP Table of Contents Executive Summary 6 1. Introduction 8 2. How are labor regulations adapted to protect platform-based work? 11 3. What can we learn from specific regulatory attempts? 14 3.1. Classifying employment status for platform-based work 14 3.2. Improving wor ...