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Italy: Selected Issues

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  • International Monetary Fund

Abstract

This Selected Issues paper investigates the factors behind the deterioration in Italy’s international competitiveness. It concludes that the loss of competitiveness accumulated by Italian firms in recent years is mainly a consequence of weak long-term productivity performance. The paper explores the link between policies and growth. Specifically, it finds evidence that rigid product markets and a high tax burden on labor have been associated with slower growth in European regions. The paper also analyzes the role of fiscal policy and its implications for household consumption decisions.

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  • International Monetary Fund, 2006. "Italy: Selected Issues," IMF Staff Country Reports 2006/059, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfscr:2006/059
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    Cited by:

    1. Robert M Stern, 2009. "Trade in Financial Services--Has the IMF Been Involved Constructively?," Working Papers 587, Research Seminar in International Economics, University of Michigan.
    2. Robert M. Stern, 2011. "Trade in Financial Services—Has the IMF been Involved Constructively?," Margin: The Journal of Applied Economic Research, National Council of Applied Economic Research, vol. 5(1), pages 65-92, February.
    3. Ales Bulir & Jaromir Hurnik, 2006. "The Maastricht Inflation Criterion: "Saints" and "Sinners"," Working Papers 2006/8, Czech National Bank.

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