Development Under Adversity

by Diwan, Ishac; Shaban, Radwan A.

• ISBN13: 9780821344187
• ISBN10: 0821344188
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-03-01
• Publisher: World Bank

Summary

"War, border closures, violence, and unemployment have hampered the Palestinian economy for over a decade. Despite these obstacles and setbacks, the future outlook is optimistic."Based on the research of the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute (MAS), the World Bank, and other organizations, 'Development Under Adversity' reviews the development of the Palestinian economy since the 1993 Declaration of Principles.The Palestinian economy has enormous potential. Its general development indicators, including life expectancy, literacy, and child mortality rates, are among the best in the Middle East and North Africa. The book identifies the conditions under which the Palestinian economy can grow. They include trade channels that reduce the economy's reliance on Israel; the creation of a more efficient civil service; more investment-oriented public expenditure; and more resourceful support from NGOs in the delivery of health, education, welfare, and infrastructure services.'Development Under Adversity' provides historical background, an objective examination of recent economic and political developments, and a comprehensive analysis of the contribution that the donor community can make toward alleviating poverty. Throughout its analysis, the book focuses on the human consequences of economic uncertainty. It studies the social and household costs of border closures, and includes complete chapters about the education and health sectors. The result is a book that will be relevant to a wide range of institutional and private lenders, as well as to anyone with a general interest in the well-being and future of the Palestinian economy.

Table of Contents

List of Figures, Tables and Boxes	v
Foreword	ix
Nabeel Kassis
Foreword	xi
Joseph Stiglitz
Acknowledgments	xiii
Definitions and Terms	xiv
Introduction and Background	1	(14)
Ishac Diwan
Radwan A. Shaban
Part I. Recent Developments: New Constraints and Frustrated Developments	15	(52)
Worsening Economic Outcomes Since 1994 Despite Elements of Improvement	17	(16)
Radwan A. Shaban
Recent Political Developments	33	(12)
Rex Brynen
The Harsh Reality of Closure	45	(22)
Radwan A. Shaban
Part II. Policies for Growth and Job Creation under Adverse Conditions	67	(88)
Private Investment	69	(15)
Osama Hamed
International Economic Relations: Access, Trade Regime, and Development Strategy	84	(13)
Ishac Diwan
Financial Intermediation	97	(13)
Osama Hamed
Fiscal Management	110	(18)
Ali Khadr
Shocks and Stabilization	128	(15)
Osama Hamed
Donor Assistance	143	(12)
Ali Khadr
Part III. Building the Enabling Environment for Long-term Growth	155	(40)
Improving the Education System	157	(13)
Sue Berryman
Managing the Growth of the Health Sector	170	(11)
Mustafa Barghouthi
Jean Lennock
Radwan A. Shaban
Infrastructure for Growth	181	(14)
Ashoka Mody
Annex	195	(30)
Bibliography	225	(10)
Index	235