Abstract: The Egyptian pound depreciated sharply between 2000 and 2005, declining by 26 percent in nominal trade-weighted terms. This paper investigates the effect of the large depreciation on household welfare operating through exchange rate-induced changes in consumer prices. To do so, the study estimates exchange rate pass-through regressions using disaggregated monthly consumer price indices to […]
Abstract: Health is now widely recognized as a basic human right, and the urgency of some global issues has pushed global health policy to the top of the international agenda. This paper provides an overview of health financing policy in developing countries in order to assist policy makers and other stakeholders in the design, implementation, […]
Abstract:Using data from the recently released Egypt Labor Market Panel Survey (ELMPS) of 2006, the study shows that there has been a decline in both the relative and absolute size of unemployment in Egypt in the period from 1998 to 2006. This study presents detailed evidence in support of this assertion, including the process of […]
Abstract:The Egyptian government has recently outlined its vision for a new pension system and highlighted its proposed features. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the proposed system and give an ex ante assessment of its expected results in light of international experience. The paper finds out that the gradual implementation of the system […]
Abstract:The purpose of this paper is to explain observed growth over the period 1990/91-2004/05 and to determine whether it has been associated with improved distribution leading to a significant reduction in poverty; or whether growth has been combined with deteriorating income distribution, dampening or even reversing the growth effect on poverty. The analysis proceeds along […]
Abstract:This study evaluates the early impact of the phase-out of the Multi-Fiber Agreement (MFA) on the textile and clothing sectors (T&C) in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia (MENA-4), with a focus on Egypt. Based on the assessment, the paper offers a number of recommendations to maximize the benefits from liberalization of international trade in T&C. […]
Abstract:This paper provides an ex-post assessment of the impact of Egypt’s qualifying industrial zones (QIZ) protocol on the textile and clothing industry in Egypt, and offers recommendations to maximize benefits to the sector. Drawing on the results of a survey conducted for the purpose of this study and interviews with QIZ companies, the paper finds […]
Abstract:This paper investigates the proliferation of parallel structures—also known as project implementation units (PIUs) and technical offices—within the Egyptian public administration system. To determine whether these structures are a viable tool for the implementation of reform, the paper examines international experience, analyses the literature, and assesses the results of a brief survey of staff working […]
Abstract:This study aims to investigate the extent of credit decline to the private sector in Egypt and whether it is due to supply factors (credit crunch), demand factors (credit slowdown), or other factors (e.g., crowding out). For that purpose, a detailed survey was conducted of 19 state- owned and private banks and 351 firms from […]