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This conference explores effective support for enlargement by addressing the economic challenges faced by candidate and potential candidate countries. Topics include revenue levels, pre-crisis growth patterns, recent economic developments, and policy priorities.
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Economic challengesfor Candidate and potential candidate countries Conference on Effective support for Enlargement, Brussels, 19 October 2009 Christophe Pavret de La Rochefordière, European Commission – DG ECFIN
Pre-crisis growthpatterns Key features of recent economic developments (pre-crisis, 2000-2008) • High growth average 5-7% end period • Growth boosted by high credit growth • High external imbalances, large trade and current account deficits • High reliance on capital inflows, both in the form of FDI and external debt (mainly private). • End of period: fiscal policies were relaxed, in a number of countries fiscal expansion. • Western Balkans: Low investment in tradables.
Crisis main features (1) • External trade severely affected, imports sharp adjustment. Double digit downturn • Industrial production down • Current account imbalances moderate • But: FDI going sharply down as well • Resilient banking sector: only one potentially insolvent bank (Montenegro) that had to be rescued
Crisis main features (2) 6. Credit growth cut down. • But… - no financial meltdown - no « sudden stop » in capital inflows • Fiscal shock, fiscal revenue sharply affected, need for budget rebalancing in most countries. Rising deficits.
Risks • Feedback loop from the real to the financial sector. • Difficult containment of fiscal shock.IMF programmes in Serbia – Bosnia + EU and WB assistance to help address this. • Lower capital inflows leading to lower investment and lower growth
Challenges • Adjusting the growth model, adopting a more sustainable and balanced growth (including by developing manufacturing and exports) • Financing external imbalances • Attracting investment • Lowering unemployment
Policy priorities Two main policy areas where sustained action crucial : • Ensuring fiscal sustainability • Deepening structural reforms
thankyou christophe.rochefordiere@ec.europa.eu