Poverty, labour markets and trade liberalization in Indonesia by Dr. Krisztina Kis-Katos

May 7, 2015 | 13:30 h - 14:30 h

ZEF is pleased to invite you to our next public lecture on

Poverty, labour markets and trade liberalization in Indonesia by

Dr. Krisztina Kis-Katos (Department of International Economic Policy, University of Freiburg)

Date: Thursday, May 7, 2015, 13:30-14:30 h

Venue: right conference room, ZEF, Walter-Flex-Straße 3, 53113 Bonn

Abstract:

We measure the effects of trade liberalization over the period of 1993-2002 on regional poverty levels in 259 Indonesian regions, and investigate the labour market mechanisms behind these effects. The identification strategy relies on combining information on initial regional labour and product market structure with the exogenous tariff reduction schedule over four three-year periods. We add to the literature on local labour market effects of trade policies by distinguishing between tariffs for output markets and for intermediate inputs, and finding that poverty reduced especially in regions with a greater sector exposure to input tariff liberalization. Among the potential channels behind this effect, we show that work participation and increases in middle-skilled wages were more responsive to reductions in import tariffs on intermediate goods than to reductions in import tariffs on final outputs. These results point towards increasing firm competitiveness as a driving factor behind the beneficial poverty effects.

About the speaker:

<link http: www.vwl.uni-freiburg.de iwipol team kis-katos.htm>Dr. Krisztina Kis-Katos studied Economics in Szeged and Konstanz, attended the Swiss Doctoral Program at the Study Center Gerzensee, and received her PhD in Economics in May 2010 at the University of Freiburg in Germany. Currently she is working at the Department for International Economic Policy at the Institute for Economic Research of the University of Freiburg. Her research interests relate to applied development economics, political economy and applied microeconometrics. Her recent research projects focus on globalization and labor market outcomes in Indonesia, on the economics of terrorism as well as on the effects of politics on public outcomes. Krisztina Kis-Katos recently coauthored an article with ZEF junior-professor Jan Börner on rainforest protection in Brazil. Please find a press release and the full article <link>on our website.

Entrance to the lecture is free, no registration is required. We are looking forward to seeing you at ZEF!