Where Are We Now. All the above mentioned developments in the flows of T&C products have brought us to where we are today almost four years after the conclusion of the Uruguay Round. They reflect numerous influences, that is the impact of − the MFA and tariff barriers on T&C products, − regional trade agreements, − changing locational demands, − normal development trends and − shifting factor intensities of production. Let us start with the impact of the MFA with its tariff and non-tariff barriers.11 10 It can be shown that it is an essential ingredient in a successful T&C export strategy vis-à-vis aiming at IC markets to use machinery which produces output up to world-market standards. To date such machinery stems almost entirely from ICs. To the extent that such textiles are not produced domestically to world market standards at competitive prices, the other option is to import them. This is the path that Bangladesh successfully followed over the last 15 years (see Spinanger, 1987), and basically reflects the philosophy of Hongkong over the course of its development path. 11 The author realizes that completely differentiating between the various factors is not quite possible, but still intends to use this breakdown as an attempt to illustrate the influence of the various factors. As far as analyzing the impact of UR is concerned, there is no product group which produce world welfare increases to the extent that the elimination of MFA is posited as doing (see Table 6). Based on an average of CGE estimates made around the end of the UR, liberalizing the area of T&C products accounted for almost 40% of the welfare gains calculated from liberalization measures agreed-upon in the UR. This is an impressive number and one which could be used as a verification of the importance of such multilateral trade negotiations. Unfortunately, a caveat needs to be injected here, as the CGE models used so far fail to take into account some crucial aspects of the MFA: − First of all, the quota rents applied in the models and accruing to exporting countries,12 reflect the world as it was in the 1980's, in particular the world as it was in Hong Kong. Times have changed and quota rents in Hong Kong – as well as in other countries – have been decreasing sharply and even approaching zero in many cases. In other words, one of the major factors attributed to decreasing the world's welfare seem to be disappearing. One key reason behind this is the shift in demand away from large Asian suppliers to ex...
Where Are We Now. 1.1 The Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole sub-region has a population of about 700,000 and includes the South East Dorset conurbation, at nearly 450,000 the second largest urban area in the South West.
1.2 There is an outstanding natural environment, including: a World Heritage Coastline; very large areas of national and international heathland designations; Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty; and significant historic and cultural assets that contribute to the character and distinctiveness of the area. These are great assets but also impose physical constraints.
1.3 The economy has grown significantly in recent years and for the most part unemployment is low and economic activity rates are high. However, this masks a number of challenges. The sub-region is: Not as productive as it should be, with Bournemouth-Poole having a GVA per head lower than that of England, with Dorset significantly lower than that; Characterised by a relatively low wage economy which with very high house prices and the relatively large stock of second homes makes the area one of the least affordable in the country; Experiencing skills gaps at all levels, exacerbated by demographic change with a loss of young people and a higher proportion of retired people than in the South West region and England; Being challenged to tackle the causes of multiple deprivation in deprived neighbourhoods, particularly in Bournemouth where there are 17 Super Output Areas in the 20% most deprived nationally; and Coming under pressure from business and local communities to enhance the sub-region’s infrastructure, particularly the need to address increasing congestion in the urban area and inadequate wider connectivity.
1.4 Stakeholders in the sub-region recognise that there is a compelling case for ‘raising the game’ and have formed a partnership to tackle those issues that need to be addressed. The Partnership is managed through a Board that comprises senior local business figures, local authority leaders, the RDA and the higher education and skills sectors. It is chaired by a private sector representative. In addition, there are theme groups that address the key issues affecting the area. The MAA is drawn from the work undertaken by these groups.
Where Are We Now. As of February 9, Minister Xxxx has announced a grant of half the amount that Own the Podium says is needed. The report is still on his desk and not public, so its policy analysis and recommendations are not known. Many critical programmes will need continued funding as we head into the 2010 budget. The desire for gold medals does not rank with climate action or health care funding. But having created a strong programme, knowing these dedicated young athletes struggle against amazing odds and economic hardship, at least the Minister of State for Sport should be willing to release the report’s recommendations. 0
Where Are We Now. The purpose of this phase is to efficiently update the baseline of information about Overland Park’s system of parks, its recreation services, and the overall performance of the system and the organization. This information will be documented in a summary report which will serve as a baseline for the needs assessment. This phase will also include a review of existing park master plans and the City's Comprehensive Plan to identify the full range of policy implications for the Parks Master Plan.
Where Are We Now
