Comparative Analysis of Policies and Other Factors Which Affect the Role of the Private Sector in Economic Development

摘要

How can governments foster the private sector. To help answer this question, six countries--Malawi, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Thailand, the Dominican Republic, and Sri Lanka--are herein compared in terms of economic development, international trade, economic policy and political economy, trends in mobilization and allocation of capital and human capital, and allied issues such as the development of entrepreneurial skills and the role of small businesses. Although all of the governments professed to support the private sector, actual interventions varied. Positive actions included investing in infrastructures which are complementary to private production processes, contributing to the supply of savings and channeling donor assistance (preferably on concessionary terms), and improving the country's human capital, although it is probably wise for governments to focus on general education rather than on specific occupational requirements. Pragmatic leadership - requiring public entities to perform without subsidies or special assistance - is also important, especially in countries where resources are meager and private investors few.