Practise analysing growth using real GDP data, output gaps, productivity, investment, population change and costs or benefits.
In 2021 the value of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Singapore was $176 bn. In 2022 this value of FDI increased to $ 195 bn.
Which one of the following is the most likely impact of an increase in investment in an economy?
An increase in the rate of economic growth
An increase in the rate of unemployment
A decrease in the rate of employment
A decrease in aggregate demand
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]
Sources for use with Section C
The UK economy
Figure 1 Index of productivity for selected countries (2010=100), 2010 to 2020
Figure 2 UK net migration, 2010 to 2019
Extract A Low productivity In 2021 the UK Government argued that the disruption in UK supply chains was mainly as a result of low wages, inadequate skills, and low productivity. The Government stated that reductions in welfare benefits and in the number of low-skilled immigrants were needed to increase the country’s productivity. 5 The UK Government suggested that a decrease in low-skilled immigration would force businesses to invest in training and in capital equipment. The goal of successive UK Governments has been to increase the UK’s productivity to improve living standards. However, between 1997 and 2008, the average annual productivity growth was only 1.9%. Between 2009 and 2019 it fell to 0.7%. 10 By 2021 productivity was nearly 20% below the level it would have reached if it had continued at 1.9%. Some economists believe that high rates of net migration were not the only reason for the UK’s poor productivity performance. They suggested that three other factors were also significant: 15; the 2008 global financial crisis; the UK’s decision to leave the European Union; the 2020–2022 global health crisis. These factors made many UK businesses particularly cautious about investing in innovation and research and development. 20 In 2021 UK employers reported they were facing significant wage increases, especially in jobs where severe shortages exist. There was a concern that these wage increases would harm the UK economy unless there was a growth in productivity. However, some economists argue that rising wages could incentivise businesses to invest in labour-saving machinery and staff training. 25 The shock of the global health crisis may provide a much-needed boost to UK productivity for reasons not associated with labour shortages. Many businesses have an opportunity to innovate and improve their operations before restarting again. The UK Government intends to solve the country’s low productivity by increasing investment in skills and in infrastructure. It is essential that it works in partnership with 30 businesses to achieve an increase in productivity and in the rate of economic growth.
With reference to Figure 1, explain the term 'productivity'.
