ECF5420

Economic policy in Asia

(BUS)

Proposed to be offered next in 2002

Dr Russell Smyth

6 points + Lectures and seminar: 3 hours per week + Second semester + Caulfield + Prerequisites: Completion of four of the 4000 level subjects (including the two core economics subjects) in the Master of Applied Economics or their equivalent, subject to the approval of the course director.

Synopsis: The rapidly growing Asian economies have seen an accelerated privatisation and a new role for governments as regulators rather than entrepreneurs. The calculations behind these changes, the interface between public and private sectors, and the emerging economic priorities are analysed. Foreign governments and firms have underestimated the ongoing power of the state. We assess how far public sector reforms and priorities in China, Indonesia, India, Japan and Korea have actually shifted the burden of economic decision-making to the private sector.

Assessment: Written (4000-word research report): 40% + Tutorial presentation: 10% + Examination (3 hours): 50%