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Covid and Recovery in Asia

Paper Session

Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022 3:45 PM - 5:45 PM (EST)

Hosted By: American Committee on Asian Economic Studies & American Economic Association
  • Chair: Michael G. Plummer, Johns Hopkins University

Covid-19 and Labor Markets in Southeast Asia: Who Was Hurt Most and What Policies Have Helped?

Sameer Khatiwada
,
Asian Development Bank
Souleima El Achkar
,
Asian Development Bank
Rosa Mia Arao
,
Asian Development Bank
Ian Nicole A. Generalao
,
Asian Development Bank

Abstract

This paper provides an analysis of the labor and socio-economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic in Southeast Asian countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam), emphasizing differential impacts across and within countries, and identifying particularly vulnerable groups. It explores the interaction of the crisis with drivers of structural transformation – particularly technology and trade – to identify which of the induced changes to the region’s economies and labor markets are temporary and which are likely to be permanent. Using Labor Force Survey (LFS) microdata and additional data from national and international sources, the paper traces the evolution of the crisis through 2020 and the first half of 2021. Specifically, we construct pseudo-panels by sex and 5-year age bands from quarterly LFS microdata to follow the progression of demographic groups across labor force statuses (transitions from employment to unemployment, exits from the labor force) and transitions within employment (sectoral labor reallocation or shifts between wage employment and self-employment, or between formal and informal employment) to understand the impact of the crisis on various population segments over time. The paper provides a decomposition of working hour losses to identify the intensive and extensive margins of adjustment at different stages of the crisis and assess the effectiveness of response policies in mitigating job and income losses. Finally, the paper discusses country-specific challenges and strategies to transition toward sustainable and inclusive social protection systems.

Covid-19, Agglomeration Economies, and Firm Recovery: Evidence from Bangladesh

Monzur Hossain
,
Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies
Tahreen Tahrima Chowdhury
,
Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies

Abstract

Agglomeration economies may help firms to cope with the pandemic-induced crisis and speed their recovery. To test this hypothesis, we analyze data from a sample of 216 micro, small and medium enterprises from 16 industrial estates in Bangladesh. Data spanning the period of hard lock-down (March-May 2020) and subsequent periods of more limited lock-down and opening up are merged with a broader sample from 2017 that encompasses the same firms. We explore the role of the following two factors in weathering and recovering from the crisis: (i) access to local value chains; and (ii) proximity to business hubs at district or sub-district levels. The findings suggest that agglomeration economies (mainly local market access indicators) have provided benefits to firms during the pandemic. Such agglomeration benefits in the context of the pandemic provide insight into cluster-based industrialization in developing countries that aim to exploit local inputs and business potentials.

Mitigate Damages and Support Growth through E-government - A preliminary examination of Economies in the Global Pandemic

Tuan Yuen Kong
,
National University of Singapore
Yao Li
,
National University of Singapore
Sarah Y. Tong
,
National University of Singapore

Abstract

In this study, we approach the question in the context of severe global pandemic that yet to be brought under control both globally and regionally. Meanwhile, another global trend is the growing prevalence of internet and internet-based contactless activities, especially during the pandemic. Combining the two trends, we examine whether, and how adequately constructed e-governments have helped to contain the spread of the deadly virus and facilitated economic recovery. By examining closer the components of e-government index and the types of policy responses to the pandemic, as well as their impacts on the economic growth, we find that countries with better E-Government development, government tend to be more responsive, with stronger stringency, health and economic supporting policies. But the higher public participation makes the government response to the pandemic less effective. Our results indicate that the stringency policy helped to protect the economic growth while the investment in E-Government, the health and economic policies dragged the economic growth slower in the pandemic. However, our estimations also show that in the long-run, the expansion of online service provision and public participation in E-Government can promote the economic growth.

Covid Impact and Macroeconomic Policy in Asia

Calla Wiemer
,
American Committee on Asian Economic Studies

Abstract

The macroeconomic story of Covid policy begins with efforts to control disease transmission. Some Asian economies have succeeded in containing the spread with effective testing and carefully targeted quarantine at low cost to economic activity (e.g., Taiwan) while others have imposed extensive lockdowns for a heavy toll (e.g., the Philippines). On top of the impairments to health and restrictions on mobility, most Asian economies have suffered export declines including large losses in tourism for some (e.g., Thailand). The adverse economic shocks have been countered with fiscal and monetary policies under constraints on policy space. The fiscal response must take into account existing government debt levels and interest rates. The monetary response is to some extent induced by pressure on interest rates caused by the fiscal response. US policy also shapes the monetary policy environment through its effects on global capital flows and exchange rates. The full story will take years to play out and be fully analyzed. The next element to be absorbed into the calculus will be vaccination progress. At this stage the analytical strategy involves graphical methods to frame the diversity of macro policy conditions and approaches. Fourteen economies are compared: Bangladesh; Hong Kong; India; Indonesia; Japan; Korea; Malaysia; Pakistan; Philippines; Taiwan; Thailand; Singapore; Vietnam.

Discussant(s)
Shaianne Osterreich
,
Ithaca College
Ahmed Mushfiq Mobarak
,
Yale University
Isabella M. Weber
,
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Menzie Chinn
,
University of Wisconsin-Madison
JEL Classifications
  • O5 - Economywide Country Studies
  • P5 - Comparative Economic Systems