This paper analyzes the growth and stabilization experience in 26 transition economies in eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, and Mongolia for the period 1989-1994. Inflation rates have declined significantly in most countries following an inflation stabilization program. Growth resumes after stabilization occurs, typically with a lag of about two years. Reducing inflation thus appears to be a precondition for growth. An econometric analysis of the short-run determinants of inflation and growth illustrates the key roles of fixed exchange rates, improved fiscal balances, and structural reforms in spurring growth and lowering inflation, and confirms that inflation stabilization programs have been beneficial for growth even after controlling for structural reforms.

This paper analyzes the growth and stabilization experience in 26 transition economies in eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, and Mongolia for the period 1989-1994. Inflation rates have declined significantly in most countries following an inflation stabilization program. Growth resumes after stabilization occurs, typically with a lag of about two years. Reducing inflation thus appears to be a precondition for growth. An econometric analysis of the short-run determinants of inflation and growth illustrates the key roles of fixed exchange rates, improved fiscal balances, and structural reforms in spurring growth and lowering inflation, and confirms that inflation stabilization programs have been beneficial for growth even after controlling for structural reforms.

List of Figures. List of Tables. List of Symbols. List of Country Acronyms. Foreword and Acknowledgements. I. The Transition Economies. II. Saving, by Plan and in the Market. III. Considering the Competing Explanations of Transition in Inflation and Economic Growth. IV. The Inflationary Explosion Following Price Liberalization. V. The Crisis Years. VI. Directed Credits and Financial Repression in Belarus. VII. Stabilization in Transition Economies. VIII. Ukraine in the Stabilization Phase. IX. Georgia: from Crisis to Stabilization .. and Then? X. The Fallout of the Russian Financial C.

This paper analyzes the determinants of growth in 25 transition economies during 1990–97. The paper’s main finding is that macroeconomic stabilization, structural reform, and reduction of government expenditures are key to achieving sustainable growth. Although the initial effect of reforms on output may be negative, over time the best growth performances are in those countries with the greatest progress in implementing reforms. The analysis also confirms that although adverse initial conditions hurt growth, their effect is small compared to the other factors.

The essays in this volume explore the special type of policies that were needed in the post-socialist countries of Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union in order to reduce inflation and to stop the fall in output that followed the collapse of Communism. The book contains a number of general studies that discuss the type of reforms needed and how they condition policies and analyze the aggregate relationship between reducing inflation, implementing structural reforms, and renewing the process of growth.