Policies to raise productivity and standards of living in Latin America and the Caribbean

Date & Time: Friday, August 9, 2019 | 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m 
Location: Auditorio ML - C, edificicio Mario Laserna- Universidad de los Andes 

A top challenge policymakers face is how to raise productivity, the key driver of living standards over the long term. Drawing upon rich micro-level datasets from the region and structural economic models, in this conference we aim to address questions such as: How does the misallocation of resources contribute to low levels of productivity in the region? What economic sectors are most affected by this misallocation of resources, and how is this associated with adverse firm dynamics in the region? What role do current labor market regulations, tax regimes, and fiscal incentives for private investment play in undermining productivity in a context of high informality. The conference will conclude with a policy panel focusing on policies needed to boost productivity and lift growth. 

Agenda

8:15  – 8:30

Welcome remarks, opening statement (Inter-American Development Bank/International Monetary Fund/ Universidad de los Andes)

Session 1 | 8:30 – 10:30

Formal and Informal Firm Dynamics | Gabriel Ulyssea, Oxford University.

Trade, Farmers' Heterogeneity and Agricultural Productivity: Evidence from Colombia | Margarita Gafaro, Banco de la República de Colombia

Informality and Aggregate Productivity: The Case of Mexico | Jorge Álvarez, International-Monetary Fund

Establishment dynamics and the persistence of resource misallocation in Mexico | Jesica Torres, Inter-American Development Bank

Coffee break | 10:30 – 11:00

Session 2 | 11:00 – 1:00

Policies that have raised productivity and standards of living in Colombia | Marcela Eslava, Universidad de los Andes

Optimal Taxation and Informality | Daniel Wills, Ministerio de Hacienda y Crédito Público

Informality & productivity. The case of Colombia | Cristina Fernandez, Fedesarrollo.

Lunch break | 1:00 – 2:30

Keynote speaker: Diego Restuccia, University of Toronto | 3:00 – 3:45

Coffee break | 3:45 - 4:00 

Discussion panel: Policies to boost productivity and growth | 4:00 - 5:00 

Discussants:

Gabriel Ulyssea, Oxford University
Diego Restuccia, University of Toronto
Marcela Eslava. Universidad de los Andes.
Ministerio de Hacienda.
Moderator: Era Dabla-Norris, Division Chief, Fiscal Operations - IMF