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Structural Reform Packages, Sequencing, and the Informal Economy

Author

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  • Zsuzsa Munkacsi
  • Mr. Magnus Saxegaard

Abstract

This paper explores the macroeconomic impacts of labor and product market deregulation using a small open-economy model with formal and informal markets. We examine both the long-run effects and the transition towards the post-reform equilibrium, while our main focus are reform packages and sequencing. The unofficial sector is a major determinant of the sign, and, in particular, the magnitude of responses. South Africa, an emerging country, is considered when Bayesian estimating the model. Regarding the long run, both labor and product market reforms considerably increase output, although labor market reforms are more successful in decreasing unemployment. Nevertheless, there are short-term costs, for example, a decrease in household consumption, net exports or output, or a decrease in competition. Combining reforms, especially with product market deregulation, are good at reducing short-term costs. Finally, concerning the speed of adjustment, it is usually better to start with a labor market reform.

Suggested Citation

  • Zsuzsa Munkacsi & Mr. Magnus Saxegaard, 2017. "Structural Reform Packages, Sequencing, and the Informal Economy," IMF Working Papers 2017/125, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2017/125
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    File URL: http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/cat/longres.aspx?sk=44950
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    Cited by:

    1. Albertini, Julien & Terriau, Anthony, 2019. "Informality over the life-cycle," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 105(C), pages 182-202.
    2. Brendan Epstein & Alan Finkelstein Shapiro, 2021. "Increasing Domestic Financial Participation: Implications for Business Cycles and Labor Markets," Review of Economic Dynamics, Elsevier for the Society for Economic Dynamics, vol. 39, pages 128-145, January.
    3. Mr. Babacar Sarr & Mokhtar Benlamine & Zsuzsa Munkacsi, 2019. "The Macroeconomic Effects of Labor and Product Market Reforms in Morocco," IMF Working Papers 2019/222, International Monetary Fund.
    4. Alan Finkelstein Shapiro & Brendan Epstein, 2018. "Banking and Financial Access Reforms, Labor Markets, and Financial Shocks," 2018 Meeting Papers 2, Society for Economic Dynamics.

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