Working Papers
1993
August 1, 1993
Presumptive Taxation: Revenue and Automatic Stabilizer Aspects
Description: Presumptive taxation has been adopted in many countries to tax hard-to-tax activities and reduce evasion. Further, in view of the possible efficiency gains from such techniques, a case can be made for adopting presumptive taxation of global income. This paper addresses two questions. First, could revenue be increased by adopting presumptive tax methods? Second, would presumptive income taxation contribute to macroeconomic instability because it lacks the automatic stabilizer property of standard progressive income taxation? Two simple models suggest that there is scope for increasing revenue under presumptive taxation without necessarily undermining economic stability. The relevance of the first model for presumptive excise taxation in Pakistan is also examined.
August 1, 1993
The Stabilizing Effect of the ERMon Exchange Rates and Interest Rates: An Empirical Investigation
Description: This paper applies nonparametric test procedures to test for a shift in the volatility of nominal and real exchange rates for ERM members and nonmembers. The results imply a reduction in volatility for the ERM members, especially during the second half of the period of operation of the ERM. We also demonstrate that this enhanced stability was not bought at the expense of increased interest rate volatility. The issue of interest rate volatility during sterling’s participation in the ERM is also examined.
Notes: Also published in Staff Papers, Vol. 41, No. 1, March 1994.
August 1, 1993
Structural Adjustment, Economic Performance, and Aid Dependency in Tanzania
Description: Tanzania’s adjustment program, which began in the mid-1980s, was accompanied by a sharp increase in the levels of foreign assistance. Previous studies, using published data, have not reflected much improvement in economic performance during the reform period. This paper attempts to shed new light on the relationship between adjustment and aid dependency in Tanzania, by adjusting the macroeconomic database to correct for data deficiencies in several important respects. A subsequent comparison with other sub-Saharan African countries shows that, contrary to traditional interpretation, Tanzania’s increased dependence on foreign assistance did not lead to a deterioration in domestic savings performance. Efficiency of investment, however, has been substantially lower in Tanzania.
August 1, 1993
Technical Assistanceon Tax Policy: A Review
Description: This paper reviews recent experience of technical assistance on tax policy provided by the Fiscal Affairs Department to a selected but diversified group of countries that differ both in their geographical locations and in the nature of their economies. The review finds in the technical assistance advice both common themes applicable to all countries and special elements designed to address issues unique to a specific country, or a subset of countries. It also attempts to assess, to the extent possible, the policy impacts of such advice.
August 1, 1993
The Use of Foreign Exchange Swaps by Central Banks: A Survey
Description: The paper discussed the use of foreign exchange swaps by central banks. Such use has aimed at affecting domestic liquidity, managing foreign exchange reserves, and stimulating domestic financial markets. It discusses these different uses and present evidence for a selected group of countries. The paper cautions about the use of foreign exchange swaps to defend a particular exchange rate at a time when foreign exchange reserves are under pressure. It notes, finally, that use of foreign exchange swaps by central banks has been losing importance.
Notes: Also published in Staff Papers, Vol. 41, No. 1, March 1994.
August 1, 1993
Working Paper Summaries (WP/93/1 - WP/93/54)
Description: This compilation of summaries of Working Papers released during January-June 1993 is being issued as a part of the Working Paper series. It is designed to provide the reader with an overview of the research work performed by the staff during the period. Authors of Working Papers are normally staff members of the Fund or consultants, although on occasion outside authors may collaborate with a staff member in writing a paper. The views expressed in the Working Papers or their summaries are, however, those of the authors and should not necessarily be interpreted as representing the views of the Fund. Copies of individual Working Papers and information on subscriptions to the annual series of Working Papers may be obtained from IMF Publication Services, International Monetary Fund, 700 19th Street, Washington, D.C. 20431. Telephone: (202) 623-7430 Telefax: (202) 623-7201
Notes: Compilation of summaries of Working Papers released during January-June 1993.
August 1, 1993
Saving, Investment, and the Regional Current Account: An Analysis of Canadian, British, and German Regions
Description: The relationship between regional saving and investment is examined to measure the extent of capital mobility. The relationship between total regional saving and investment is significantly negative in Canada and the United Kingdom, in contrast to the significant positive relationship found across countries. The difference is attributed to government subsidies to poor regions. The relationship between personal saving and private investment is insignificant in the U.K. and Germany and is negative in Canada which suggests that capital is mobile for individuals. The relationship between retained earnings and private investment is significantly positive in the U.K. and Canada suggesting capital immobility for firms but a test for the presence of regional corporate liquidity constraints yields no effects.
August 1, 1993
Enterprise Arrears in Russia: Causes and Policy Options
Description: This paper examines the causes of the large buildup of enterprise arrears in Russia during 1992, and evaluates policy options to deal with them. Noting the experience of. Eastern European countries, the paper emphasizes that the settlement of arrears through wholesale extension of credit would only achieve a temporary reduction of arrears while inviting moral hazard problems and creating expectations of future bailouts. Instead, emphasis should be placed on measures that instill financial discipline and promote necessary structural changes. These measures should be supported by adequate legislation, effective supervision, and credible sanctions against defaulting enterprises and their managers.
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