Practise analysing how investment, FDI, innovation, labour force growth and competition can expand productive capacity over time.
Study Figures 1 and 2 and Extracts A and B before answering Question 12.
Sources for use with Section C
The Romanian economy
Figure 1 Year-on-year real GDP growth by quarter, 2016-2017
Figure 2 The rate of inflation, as measured by the consumer price index, 2016-2017
Extract A Romania's economic growth
For many years Romania had been viewed as a poor country by European standards, experiencing low wages and a slow rate of economic growth. However, since 2015, Romania's rate of economic growth outperformed other European countries. This growth was stimulated by a number of factors including the Government's expansionary fiscal policy, increased household consumption and high levels of investment in new technology for manufacturing industries.
In 2015 the Government cut VAT from 24% to 20%. It planned to double the minimum wage over a four-year period. It also increased the salaries of public sector employees. However, wage levels are still low compared to other European countries leading to high levels of migration out of the country. This resulted in labour shortages as businesses found it hard to fill vacancies. The unemployment rate fell to 4.6% in 2017.
Romania has one of the fastest broadband internet speeds in the world, behind Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea and Iceland. It also has a very well-educated workforce, with excellent language, maths and science skills. The technology sector is expanding fast in the country, and many large foreign firms such as Siemens and Ford have set up factories in Bucharest, the Romanian capital. This has increased production in the country and generated strong growth in exports.
Extract B Inflationary pressures
As disposable incomes have risen, consumption has also increased significantly reaching a ten-year peak in 2017. The rate of inflation has risen throughout 2017. This was partly caused by a 3.8% increase in food prices and by a 4.1% price increase in non-food products.
The central bank responded to this inflationary pressure by increasing its base interest rate for the first time in 10 years from 1.75% to 2%. Mugur Isarescu, the Governor of the central bank, suggested that the Romanian Government's fiscal policies are to blame for the higher rate of inflation. The fiscal deficit rose to 3% of GDP in 2016. The Government defended its position, believing that reductions in tax rates and increased government spending on infrastructure will lead to long-term economic growth.
12(d) With reference to the information provided, examine the likely impact of increased investment on Romania's economy. [8 marks]