Globalisation and Economic Success
This is a three-part conference and research programme to identify best
practices for emerging economies engaging with globalisation. It is being held
in collaboration with the Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies, Nanyang
Technological University, Singapore; the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung; and the
Ministry of Investment, Egypt
'Globalisation and Economic Success: Policy Options for Africa' is a
three-part conference and research project to identify best practices for
emerging economies engaging with globalisation. It focuses on the nexus between
politics and economics in identifying and codifying lessons from high-growth
economies appropriate in the African context and consistent with the plans of
the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). The project aims to
pinpoint the relevant macro- and micro-economic steps necessary for higher
rates of economic growth especially in countries that have undergone
significant political change and have dealt with acute socio-political
challenges. The project also focuses on key African countries to assess
their record and potential for growth and engagement in the international
economy.
This project is thus relevant to both policy and business, and its
findings are designed to feed into wider national and continental debates. The
focus of the project is less on prescriptive solutions, focusing rather on
having a series of 'productive conversations' around the themes of growth,
governance and policy.
Round One of the project, on which this report is based, was held 7-8
November 2005 in Singapore and Round Two in Cairo, Egypt, in November 2006. The
final event is scheduled to be held in South Africa in 2007, examining options
for applying specific lessons identified by the project to Africa's particular
contexts.
Industrial policy, trade policy, regulatory policy, fiscal policy,
foreign direct investment requirements, etc, are more often than not one of the
same picture. Rarely are they radically different (other than in transition)
between countries. Papers presented at the first event in Singapore sought to
identify the regional conditions that have affected development prospects,
including: history, the trade environment, geography, conflict, ethnicity,
ideology, external influences, and so on. The conference also included a paper
projecting challenges on the road ahead for the global political-economy, as
well as one assessing the lessons from the 'Washington Consensus'
reforms.
Cairo 2006
Singapore 2005
