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Competitiveness in the CFA Franc Zone

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  • Mr. Charalambos G Tsangarides
  • Mr. Gustavo Ramirez

Abstract

This paper reviews the evolution of competitiveness in the CFA franc zone using a proposed comprehensive competitiveness framework. In particular, we examine competitiveness in the WAEMU and CEMAC regions by analyzing the "environment" and "policy" components of competitiveness and their quantifiable determinants, including indicators to measure productivity and labor market conditions, prices and costs, macroeconomic performance, business environment, governance, and technology and infrastructure. Our findings suggest that despite some recent improvements-particularly for the CEMAC-both regions face serious competitiveness challenges when compared to pier groups of countries. In order to become more competitive, raise growth, and improve the quality of life, there is a need for structural reform to improve productivity, reduce factor costs, and create the right business, legal, and political environment to attract economic activity.

Suggested Citation

  • Mr. Charalambos G Tsangarides & Mr. Gustavo Ramirez, 2007. "Competitiveness in the CFA Franc Zone," IMF Working Papers 2007/212, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2007/212
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Kuikeu, Oscar, 2011. "Comment la dernière crise financière a relancé le débat relatif à l'arrimage du fcfa à l'euro [How the recent financial crisis have revived the debate on the parity between fcfa and euro]," MPRA Paper 32077, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Skruibytė Izolda, 2020. "The Problems of the Assessment of Corporate Social Responsibility in the International Context," Management of Organizations: Systematic Research, Sciendo, vol. 83(1), pages 93-112, June.
    3. Ms. Corinne C Delechat & Matthew Gaertner, 2008. "Exchange Rate Assessment in a Resource-Dependent Economy: The Case of Botswana," IMF Working Papers 2008/083, International Monetary Fund.
    4. International Monetary Fund, 2009. "Republic of Congo: Selected Issues," IMF Staff Country Reports 2009/072, International Monetary Fund.
    5. DJAHINI, Edém, 2015. "Les principaux déterminants de la compétitivité internationale en Afrique Sub-saharienne [The main determinants of international competitiveness in Sub-Saharan Africa]," MPRA Paper 65024, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 16 Jun 2015.
    6. Mahvash S Qureshi, 2008. "Africa’s Oil Abundance and External Competitiveness: Do Institutions Matter?," IMF Working Papers 2008/172, International Monetary Fund.
    7. Alexandre Henry, 2019. "Monetary Union, Competitiveness and Raw Commodity Dependence: Insights from Africa," Comparative Economic Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Association for Comparative Economic Studies, vol. 61(2), pages 285-301, June.
    8. Martin Hallet, 2008. "The role of the euro in Sub-Saharan Africa and in the CFA franc zone," European Economy - Economic Papers 2008 - 2015 347, Directorate General Economic and Financial Affairs (DG ECFIN), European Commission.

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    Keywords

    WP; CEMAC; WAEMU; cost; exchange rate;
    All these keywords.

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