An analysis of debt-reduction schemes initiated by debtor countries

In evaluating the benefits of a voluntary debt reduction scheme, look for efficiency gains that allow both debtor and creditor to gain. In particular certain debt reduction operations can: (i) increase the incentives for growth in highly indebted countries; (ii) allocate risk more efficiently between debtor and creditors; and (iii) signal the credibility of a country's willingness to adjust its economy. Market-based debt conversion is more likely to improve the debtor nations welfare when: (i) the opportunity cost of foreign exchange is low; (ii) there is great probability of default with a deadweight loss to the creditor; (iii) private rather than public debt is swapped for equity investments; (iv) the country has no other way of signalling its commitment; and (v) the country has an extreme case of debt overhang.