Italy: Selected Issues

International Monetary Fund

No 2006/059, IMF Staff Country Reports from International Monetary Fund

Abstract: This Selected Issues paper investigates the factors behind the deterioration in Italy’s international competitiveness. It concludes that the loss of competitiveness accumulated by Italian firms in recent years is mainly a consequence of weak long-term productivity performance. The paper explores the link between policies and growth. Specifically, it finds evidence that rigid product markets and a high tax burden on labor have been associated with slower growth in European regions. The paper also analyzes the role of fiscal policy and its implications for household consumption decisions.

Keywords: ISCR; CR; export; private sector; factors accounting; infrastructure investment; chapter VI; product market regulation; nondurables consumption; Competition; Personal income; Public investment and public-private partnerships (PPP); Income; Consumption; Europe; Global; Western Europe; Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 142
Date: 2006-02-16
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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