Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Development-led globalization vs. finance-led globalization


“The term finance-driven globalization characterizes the dominant pattern of international economic relations during the past three decades,” the report says. “This is intended to convey the idea that financial deregulation, concerted moves to open up the capital account and rapidly rising international capital flows have been the main forces shaping global economic integration. . . . Financial markets and institutions have become the masters rather than the servants of the real economy, distorting trade and investment, heightening levels of inequality, and posing a systemic threat to economic stability.”

“Financial and other resources should be channelled towards the right kinds of productive activities. Industrial development remains a priority for many developing countries…but a wider sectoral approach, including a focus on the primary sector in many least developed countries, is needed to ensure that measures to diversify economic activity are consistent with job creation, the security of food and energy supplies, and effective responses to the climate challenge”.

“rebalancing will need a global new deal that can ‘lift all boats’ in developed and developing countries alike. It is a basic truth that people everywhere want the same thing: a decent job, a secure home, a safe environment, a better future for their children and a government that listens to and responds to their concerns.


Here is more from the latest UNTCAD report titled Development-led globalization: Towards sustainable and inclusive development paths.