Thursday, May 10, 2012

11 May 2012: Food Prices, Nutrition, and the Millennium Development Goals Insights from the Global Monitoring Report 2012

Jos Verbeek
World Bank

Abstract:
What has been the impact of yet another food price spike on
developing countries' ability to make progress toward the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs)? How many poor people were prevented from
lifting themselves out of poverty? How many people, and how many
children, saw their personal growth and development permanently harmed
because their families could not afford to buy food? How did countries
react to the last two food price spikes of 2007/08 and 2011, and how
did it affect their progress toward the MDGs? And, what can countries
do to respond to higher and more volatile food prices? The Global
Monitoring Report 2012 (www.worldbank.org/gmr2012) examines these
questions, summarizes the impacts of food prices on several MDGs,
reviews policy responses, and outlines future prospects.

Date: May 11, 2012
Time: 12:30 P.M.

Venue:
Ground Floor Conference Room
The World Bank,
70 Lodi Estate,
New Delhi-110003(INDIA)

Location:

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Note:
Please confirm your attendance by mail to Margaret D'Costa at
mdcosta@worldbank.org by Thursday, May 10th.

Monday, May 7, 2012

9 May 2012: Social and Economic Impact of SEZs in India

Aradhna Aggarwal
NCAER

Abstract:
Social and Economic Impact of SEZs in India provides a comprehensive analysis of the Special Economic Zone programme in India since its inception in 1965. It presents quantitative evidence of the performance of SEZs in India; investigates their actual and potential role in diversifying the structure of the Indian economy and expanding economic and social development opportunities; and assesses the challenges associated with them (labour rights, human capital, environment, budgetary deficits, inequities, and most importantly land acquisition). It also explores the origin and changing role and configuration of SEZs from a global perspective; traces the evolution of SEZ programmes in selected developing countries around the world; and summarizes the theoretical arguments pertaining to the development dimensions of SEZs. The analysis is based on detailed field surveys and interviews conducted during 2004-2009, secondary data sources and an extensive review of the literature. An important contribution of the study is that it challenges the traditional view that SEZs are a second-best policy choice aimed at promoting trade and foreign direct investment. It argues that SEZs have tremendous development potential if they are strategically designed and implemented to promote industrial clusters and agglomeration economies. Designed for policymakers, academics and researchers, the book offers a rich mosaic of data, analysis, and policy recommendations.

Date: 9 May, 2012
Time: 04:00 P.M.

Venue:
NCAER Auditorium
National Council of Applied Economic Research
Parisila Bhawan, 11, Indraprastha Estate
New Delhi-110002(INDIA)

Location:

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