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Dynamics of structural transformation in South Asia

Author

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  • P.V. Srinivasan

    (Evaluation Specialist, Asian Development Bank, 6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550, Metro Manila, Philippines)

Abstract

This paper contains an analysis of the pattern of growth and the structure of employment in various sectors of six South Asian economies (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka); the trends in the technological capabilities of these countries are also examined, by characterizing the structure of their exports. It shows that although the level of sophistication is lower compared with East Asian economies, the distribution of exports in South Asian countries has shifted towards products that have a higher productivity index and are located “centrally” in product space, enabling production of several nearby goods. In terms of the summary measure of the proximity of the export basket to all currently unexploited products, high- value ones in particular, the potential for future export sophistication is seen to be the highest for India among the South Asian countries and lowest for Bhutan followed by Bangladesh. Going by the East Asian experience, the South Asian governments have an important role to play in transforming their industrial structures.

Suggested Citation

  • P.V. Srinivasan, 2013. "Dynamics of structural transformation in South Asia," Asia-Pacific Development Journal, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), vol. 20(2), pages 53-88, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:unt:jnapdj:v:20:y:2013:i:2:p:53-88
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ricardo Hausmann & Jason Hwang & Dani Rodrik, 2007. "What you export matters," Journal of Economic Growth, Springer, vol. 12(1), pages 1-25, March.
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    3. Hausmann, Ricardo & Klinger, Bailey, 2006. "Structural Transformation and Patterns of Comparative Advantage in the Product Space," Working Paper Series rwp06-041, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government.
    4. Cesar A. Hidalgo & Ricardo Hausmann, 2009. "The Building Blocks of Economic Complexity," Papers 0909.3890, arXiv.org.
    5. Wang, Zhi & Wei, Shang-Jin & Wong, Anna, 2010. "Does a Leapfrogging Growth Strategy Raise Growth Rate? Some International Evidence," Working Papers on Regional Economic Integration 47, Asian Development Bank.
    6. Cesar A. Hidalgo, 2009. "The Dynamics of Economic Complexity and the Product Space over a 42 year period," CID Working Papers 189, Center for International Development at Harvard University.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Structural transformation; export sophistication; product space; productivity; international trade Model;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • O20 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy - - - General
    • O53 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Asia including Middle East

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