This paper reviews the resurgence of Latin America. The paper highlights that much of the region has witnessed a swift and robust recovery from the successive financial crises of 2001–02. Within two years, the region’s economic growth reached 5.6 percent in 2004, a 24-year high. Growth rates of about 4 percent in 2005 and 33⁄4 percent projected for 2006 are well above historical averages. Mexico and South American countries have gained, in particular, from the surge in fuel, food, and metals prices, and have generally been able to exploit these opportunities by expanding production.

This book provides an assessment of the role of the International Monetary Fund in poor countries. In recent years, a large portion of the work of the IMF has focused on the economies of low-income countries by aiming to create conditions conducive to poverty reduction and stable economic growth. More than two fifths of the IMF's 185 members are low-income countries and many others have substantial pockets of poverty in their populations. Since economic development and the reduction of poverty are the most important economic challenges that these countries face, how can the IMF best help them? How can the imperative of macroeconomic and financial stability be reconciled with the requirements for sustained economic growth? This volume brings together the research of leading economists, political scientists, and historians to suggest ways for the IMF to address these issues effectively

This book synthesizes the results of a comprehensive analysis of the status, prospects, and challenges of sustainable financial development in Latin America, as well as the lessons for developed and developing countries.

The critical challenge of financing development and sustainability is a key focus for the world's international financial institutions, led by the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and, above all, the G8. This volume assesses the current practice and perspectives of the major developed world countries that dominate the boards of the IMF and the World Bank and comprise the G8. It looks at the prospects for meeting the Millennium Development Goals in the most impoverished region of Africa, the way trade and finance instruments can help, and how the challenges of energy security and climate change control will affect the results. This volume offers in-depth analysis of: * how the Millennium Development Goals are to be met * North-to-South resource transfers * the challenges of controlling climate control beyond Kyoto In sum, this volume provides a critical and creative examination of what the G8 governments, especially at and after the 2005 Gleneagles summit, have done and what they should do to promote development and sustainability.

ÔDing ChenÕs detailed institutional analysis of the development of the Chinese stock market brings the question of enforcement to centre stage. In doing so, she not only introduces readers to the particularities of the Chinese system; she also sheds new light on conventional debates about the law and economics of corporate governance.Õ Ð Andrew Johnston, University of Sheffield, UK ÔIn this book Dr Ding Chen has made an important theoretical contribution to our understanding of corporate governance in transitional economies and of corporate governance in China especially. Drawing upon the insights of New Institutional Economics theory she examines the interplay between formal and informal enforcement mechanisms relating to corporate governance in China. To support this argument the book breaks new ground by providing a comprehensive examination of enforcement actions in ChinaÕs stock market; her findings are at variance from conclusions found in other research, such as in the law and finance literature. Rather than simply imitating the dominant Anglo-American model of corporate governance, she argues that local conditions will greatly affect the choice of the most appropriate governance models. This has been especially so in China.Õ Ð Roman Tomasic, University of South Australia and Durham Law School, UK This important new book attempts to establish a fresh conceptual framework for the study of corporate governance by employing the new institutional economics of contract enforcement. This framework helps to clarify two critical issues including the role of law in financial development and whether there is an optimal corporate governance model that should be followed by countries attempting to develop their own stock markets. Applying this novel framework, the author conducts a comprehensive study on Chinese corporate governance and discovers that the Chinese stock market has rapidly expanded even in the absence of any effective institutions. She provides a credible explanation to this ÔChina puzzleÕ by arguing that the growth of the stock market is mainly driven by state guarantees, institutional rent seeking by state-owned companies, financial repression and investorsÕ speculation. Indeed, there is probably nowhere better to look than ChinaÕs stock market to assess the limits of the gradualist approach to financial development. As the book explains, the potential efficiency gains that could be created by a healthy, well-functioning stock market have been completely outweighed by the consideration of maintaining the existing political system. This book will appeal to scholars and students of economics and law with an interest in corporate governance, Chinese economic development and new institutional economics.

"Economic Development Finance provides a foundation for students and professionals in the technical aspects of business and real estate finance and surveys the full range of policies, program models, and financing tools used in economic development practice within the United States."--Jacket.