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The Optimal Speed of Transition: A General Equilibrium Analysis

Author

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  • Castanheira, Micael
  • Roland, Gérard

Abstract

We present in this paper a bench-mark model for the optimal speed of transition from a state-owned to a private market economy, based on the consumption-savings decision in a closed economy. This bench-mark model abstracts from rigidities or frictions to focus on the macroeconomic conditions for accumulation of private capital and closure or restructuring of state-owned enterprises (SOEs). It is shown that an excess rate of closure of SOEs, compared to the welfare optimum, generates a substitution effect that accelerates the pace of transition, and an income effect, that slows down transition. When the latter effect dominates, too high a speed of closure of SOEs may result in suboptimally slow growth of the private sector. This will especially be the case if such a deviation occurs at an early stage of transition. Lastly, the model sheds some light on macroeconomic contraction in Central and Eastern Europe in the early phase of transition.

Suggested Citation

  • Castanheira, Micael & Roland, Gérard, 1996. "The Optimal Speed of Transition: A General Equilibrium Analysis," CEPR Discussion Papers 1442, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:1442
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    Keywords

    General Equilibrium; Optimal Speed; Transition in Eastern Europe; Transitional Dynamics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E21 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Consumption; Saving; Wealth
    • E61 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Policy Objectives; Policy Designs and Consistency; Policy Coordination
    • P41 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - Planning, Coordination, and Reform
    • P51 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Comparative Economic Systems - - - Comparative Analysis of Economic Systems

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