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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of protectionism?

  • To encourage specialization in international markets.
  • To promote unrestricted international trade.
  • To protect local businesses and jobs from foreign competition. (correct)
  • To eliminate discrimination against imports.

Which of the following is a typical tool used in protectionism?

  • Reducing quotas on exported goods
  • Eliminating tariffs on imported goods
  • Providing subsidies to local businesses (correct)
  • Encouraging unrestricted trade policies

Which of the following is a key argument in favor of free trade?

  • Ensuring national security by limiting imports.
  • Promoting economic efficiency through specialization. (correct)
  • Protecting infant industries from competition.
  • Preserving domestic jobs through trade barriers.

Which of the following best describes the 'infant industry' argument for protectionism?

<p>Supporting emerging industries until they can compete globally. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Dumping, in the context of international trade, refers to:

<p>Selling goods at a lower cost than they are produced domestically. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely outcome of a country specializing in the production of goods for which it has a comparative advantage?

<p>Greater access to a variety of goods and services. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which trade policy involves encouraging local production of goods previously imported?

<p>Import substitution. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which trade agreement or union is South Africa a member of?

<p>SACU (Southern African Customs Union) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does export promotion contribute to economic growth?

<p>By increasing the demand for domestic goods in foreign markets. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following differentiates economic development from economic growth?

<p>Improvement in income equity and living standards. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of a demandside approach to economic growth?

<p>Increasing government expenditure to stimulate economic activity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a supplyside policy for economic growth?

<p>Investing in infrastructure and technology. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of South Africa's Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP)?

<p>Meeting basic needs and developing human resources. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which policy aimed at marketled growth, fiscal discipline, and enhanced investor confidence in South Africa?

<p>Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR). (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Human Development Index (HDI) measure?

<p>Health, education, and income. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key aim of the National Industrial Policy Framework (NIPF) in South Africa?

<p>To guide the overall industrial strategy of South Africa. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of Industrial Policy Action Plans (IPAP)?

<p>To detail specific actions to implement the NIPF. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of establishing Special Economic Zones (SEZs)?

<p>To attract businesses and stimulate economic activities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is economic diversification a key justification for South Africa’s industrial policies?

<p>To lessen reliance on sectors like mining. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of South Africa’s industrial strategies aligns with international best practices?

<p>Ensuring transparent and accountable policy implementation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Spatial Development Initiatives (SDIs) primarily target which areas for development?

<p>Underdeveloped regions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a critical challenge in South Africa's industrial policies?

<p>Bridging the skills gap in the workforce. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Consumer Price Index (CPI) measure?

<p>The average price change of goods and services purchased by households. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which indicator reflects the proportion of the workingage population that is employed?

<p>Employment Rate. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the exchange rate measure in the context of foreign trade?

<p>The value of the South African rand against other currencies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the repo rate primarily influence in the economy?

<p>Interest rates across the economy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which indicator reflects the overall health and longevity of a population?

<p>Life Expectancy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is public spending on education an important social indicator?

<p>It indicates government commitment to improving education. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the urbanization rate indicate about a country's development?

<p>The movement of the population towards urban areas. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do investors use economic and social indicators?

<p>To assess economic stability and growth potential. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The terms of trade is a comparison of:

<p>The rate of export prices to import prices. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Assume a closed economy where the marginal propensity to consume (MPC) is 0.75. By how much will the equilibrium output change if the government increases spending by $100 million, taking into account the multiplier effect?

<p>$400 million increase (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

South Africa implements a progressive tax system. How will this impact the Lorenz curve for income distribution, compared to a scenario with no income tax?

<p>The Lorenz curve will shift closer to the line of perfect equality, indicating decreased inequality. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical argument used to justify protectionism?

<p>Promoting economic efficiency through specialization. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential drawback of import substitution policies?

<p>Potential for decreased innovation due to lack of competition. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of international trade, what does 'dumping' primarily refer to?

<p>Selling goods at a price below their production cost in a foreign market. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between economic growth and economic development?

<p>Economic growth focuses solely on increasing GDP, while economic development includes broader improvements in living standards. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary goal of supplyside policies for economic growth?

<p>Enhancing the productive capacity of the economy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which approach directly aims to boost economic activity through increased consumer spending, especially among lowerincome groups?

<p>Demandside economics. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary goal of South Africa's New Growth Path (NGP)?

<p>Focusing on job creation and identifying key sectors for employment generation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key objective of Spatial Development Initiatives (SDIs) in South Africa?

<p>To target underdeveloped areas for infrastructure and industrial development. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does the Human Development Index (HDI) take into consideration?

<p>Life expectancy, education levels, and gross national income per capita. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Producer Price Index (PPI)?

<p>To reflect the average movement of selling prices from domestic production over time. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following indicators reflects the percentage of the labor force that is actively seeking employment but unable to find it?

<p>Unemployment rate. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major challenge hindering the effectiveness of South Africa's industrial policies?

<p>Gaps between policy goals and actual implementation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does increased government expenditure typically impact the demandside approach to economic growth?

<p>It stimulates economic activity by injecting money into the economy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy would most directly support domestic industries in expanding their reach into international markets?

<p>Export promotion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of economic indicators, what does a country's 'terms of trade' directly reflect?

<p>The ratio of export prices to import prices. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following policies is most aligned with promoting sustainability within South Africa's industrial development?

<p>Focusing on industrial practices that do not compromise future generations' needs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary intent behind governments implementing protectionist policies?

<p>To safeguard local businesses and employment from international competition. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critical factor is essential for effectively attracting both domestic and international investment within South Africa's industrial sector?

<p>A governance structure that ensures transparency and accountability. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is addressed when South Africa's industrial strategies emphasize inclusivity?

<p>Ensuring broad benefits across the population, including historically disadvantaged groups. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How would decreased 'access to health services' most likely be reflected in social indicators?

<p>Higher infant and under5 mortality rates. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a high urbanization rate typically suggest about a country's development trends?

<p>A shift of population from rural to urban areas, associated with economic development. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the repo rate as managed by the South African Reserve Bank?

<p>To influence interest rates across the economy and manage inflation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of South Africa's industrial policy aligns with international best practices?

<p>A focus on governance and transparency in policy implementation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a potential unintended consequence of protectionist trade policies?

<p>Higher prices for consumers due to reduced competition from foreign goods. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If South Africa's export prices increase while its import prices remain constant, what is the likely impact on its terms of trade?

<p>The terms of trade will improve, indicating a more favorable trade position. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential long-term implication if South Africa consistently spends less on public education compared to other developing nations?

<p>A decrease in the quality of the labor force and reduced longterm economic growth. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might increased public spending on healthcare services immediately impact a country's social indicators?

<p>Increased access to health services and potentially lower infant mortality rates. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios would most likely lead a country to adopt import substitution policies?

<p>A desire to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and develop domestic industries. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Assume a country is experiencing significant unemployment. Which of the following policy mixes would be most effective at simultaneously addressing both demand and supplyside constraints to stimulate job creation?

<p>Investing in skills development programs and increasing government spending on infrastructure. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Suppose South Africa discovers vast new reserves of a highly demanded mineral, positioning it as a major global supplier. What strategy could MOST effectively balance the potential benefits of increased export revenue with the need for longterm sustainable and diversified economic growth?

<p>Establishing a sovereign wealth fund to invest mineral revenues in diversified sectors, while strengthening manufacturing and service industries through targeted policies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might unforeseen, radical advancements in automation technologies worldwide MOST profoundly challenge South Africa’s current industrial development plans?

<p>By rendering laborintensive industrial policies ineffective and necessitating a shift towards hightech, skillintensive sectors, requiring substantial investment in education and retraining. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider two economies, A and B, both initially closed to international trade. Economy A opens its borders and specializes in producing goods for which it has a comparative advantage, exporting the surplus. Economy B, fearing job losses, imposes high tariffs on imports to protect domestic industries. Analyzing their longrun trajectories, what pattern of outcomes is most likely?

<p>Economy A experiences faster economic growth, higher consumer welfare, and greater innovation, while Economy B faces slower growth, reduced competitiveness, and lower living standards. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Very Hard: Suppose a previously isolated island nation integrates into the global economy. Initially, it exports raw materials and imports finished goods. Economists propose two diverging strategies: (1) aggressively subsidize local industries to rapidly develop a diverse manufacturing sector to compete globally (import substitution), or (2) invest heavily in education and infrastructure to foster innovation and adaptively specialize in niche, highvalueadded sectors where the nation can gain a competitive edge over time. What considerations should MOST guide policymakers in this scenario?

<p>Carefully evaluating the nation's existing resources, skills, and potential for innovation, and flexibly pursuing a strategy that balances immediate needs with longterm sustainable development of competitive advantages. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Very Hard: Consider South Africa's commitment to both demandside redistribution and supplyside enhancement amidst global technological disruption and fluctuating commodity prices. Imagine a scenario where rapid automation erodes job opportunities in traditional sectors. A policy is enacted to provide universal basic income (UBI) funded by increased taxes on profits from resource extraction. Critically evaluate the MOST likely systemic consequences of this policy, considering potential feedback loops and unintended effects.

<p>Reduced incentives for skills development and workforce participation, potentially exacerbating unemployment despite the UBI safety net, alongside decreased investment due to higher tax burdens on productive sectors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which action exemplifies a protectionist trade policy?

<p>Imposing tariffs on imported goods to raise their price. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a central argument against protectionist policies?

<p>They restrict consumer choice and increase prices. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of export promotion strategies?

<p>To boost the overseas sales of domestically produced goods. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these strategies is characteristic of a demandside approach to economic growth?

<p>Investing in infrastructure projects to boost employment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following policies directly focuses on enhancing the skills and productivity of the workforce?

<p>Supplyside policy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates the Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR) strategy from the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP)?

<p>GEAR prioritized fiscal discipline and investor confidence, while RDP aimed at meeting basic needs and human resource development. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does the Human Development Index (HDI) use to determine standard of living?

<p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT directly addressed by South Africa's National Industrial Policy Framework (NIPF)?

<p>Providing macroeconomic stability. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of establishing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in South Africa?

<p>To attract businesses and stimulate economic activities through incentives. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy aligns with international best practices in South Africa’s industrial development?

<p>Ensuring policy implementation is transparent and accountable. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Spatial Development Initiatives (SDIs) primarily focus on which of the following?

<p>Underdeveloped areas for infrastructure and industrial development. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which challenge commonly hinders the effectiveness of South Africa's industrial policies?

<p>Alignment between policy goals and actual outcomes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What information does the Producer Price Index (PPI) provide?

<p>The average movement of selling prices from domestic production. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which indicator measures the percentage of the labor force actively seeking but unable to find employment?

<p>Unemployment Rate. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In international trade, what does the 'exchange rate' measure?

<p>The value of one currency in terms of another. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the repo rate primarily influence within an economy?

<p>The cost of borrowing for commercial banks. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is public spending on education considered an important social indicator?

<p>It reflects a government's commitment to improving education and future opportunities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critical factor is most essential for attracting both domestic and international investment within South Africa's industrial sector?

<p>Maintaining governance and transparency in policy implementation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic of 'free trade'?

<p>Governmentimposed constraints. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of the National Research and Development Strategy (NRDS) in South Africa?

<p>To boost innovation across industries. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What strategy would BEST support domestic industries in expanding their reach into international markets?

<p>Investing in export promotion and improving product competitiveness. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Suppose a country is experiencing significant unemployment. Which of the following policy mixes would be most effective at simultaneously addressing both demand and supplyside constraints to stimulate job creation?

<p>Increasing government expenditure on infrastructure projects and skills development programs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario would MOST likely lead a country to adopt import substitution policies?

<p>A need to protect nascent industries from foreign competition. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

South Africa is committed to both demandside redistribution and supplyside enhancement amidst global technological disruption and fluctuating commodity prices. Imagine a scenario where rapid automation erodes job opportunities in traditional sectors. A policy is enacted to provide universal basic income (UBI) funded by increased taxes on profits from resource extraction. Critically evaluate the MOST likely systemic consequences of this policy, considering potential feedback loops and unintended effects.

<p>Potential disincentives for labor force participation, coupled with increased pressure on resource extraction to fund UBI, possibly hindering diversification policies and exacerbating reliance on volatile commodity markets. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Protectionism

Government actions restricting international trade to protect local businesses.

Free Trade

Eliminating discrimination against imports and exports promoting unrestricted international exchange.

Infant Industry Argument

Protecting new industries until they're globally competitive.

Preservation of Jobs

Safeguarding jobs against cheaper imports.

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National Security (Protectionism)

Ensuring crucial industries can support the nation independently.

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Prevention of Dumping

Preventing foreign firms from selling goods below production cost.

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Economic Diversification

Reducing import reliance by growing diverse local industries.

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Specialization (Free Trade)

Nations focus on producing goods they're best at.

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Access to Goods and Services

Consumers access more varied goods, often cheaper.

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Economic Efficiency

Efficient global resource use boosts productivity and innovation.

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Economic Growth (Free Trade)

Expanded markets and investments increase growth potential.

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Export Promotion

Policies encouraging local firms to sell goods abroad.

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Import Substitution

Promoting local production of previously imported items.

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Economic Growth

Increase in country's real GDP or GDP per capita over time.

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Economic Development

Growth plus better living standards, equality, and wellbeing.

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Increased Government Expenditure

Increased government spending to boost economic activity.

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Redistribution of Income

Policies to redistribute income for higher consumption among the poor.

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Import Substitution (Demand Side)

Encouraging local production of goods that would otherwise be imported.

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Export Promotion (Demand Side)

Supporting domestic industries to increase their exports.

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Quality of Labor Force

Enhancing productivity through better education and training.

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Managing Natural Resources

Using resources efficiently and sustainably

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Accumulating Capital Goods

Investing in infrastructure and technology improves production.

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Advancements in Technology

Innovation enhances productivity and competitiveness.

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Entrepreneurship

Encouraging entrepreneurs to innovate for new business opportunities.

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Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP)

Meeting needs, building economy, democratizing state and society.

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Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR)

Market-led growth, fiscal discipline, investor confidence.

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AsgiSA

Halving unemployment and poverty via economic growth.

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New Growth Path (NGP)

Focuses on job creation and identifying job drivers.

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The North/South Divide

Disparities in income, stability, and resource access between regions.

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National Industrial Policy Framework (NIPF)

Guides South Africa's overall industrial strategy.

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Industrial Policy Action Plans (IPAP)

Detailed actions to implement the NIPF.

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National Research and Development Strategy (NRDS)

Aims to boost innovation across industries.

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Integrated Manufacturing Strategy (IMS)

Enhancing competitiveness in the manufacturing sector.

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Special Economic Zones (SEZs)

Offer incentives to attract businesses and stimulate economic activities

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Consumer Price Index (CPI)

Measures average price changes of goods and services households buy.

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Spatial Development Initiatives (SDIs)

Target underdeveloped areas for infrastructure and industrial growth.

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Industrial Development Zones (IDZs)

Areas offering incentives to boost economic activity.

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Employment Rate

The proportion of the economically active population that is employed.

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Unemployment Rate

Percentage of the labor force without jobs but seeking them.

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Exchange Rate

The price of one currency in terms of another.

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Terms of Trade

Compares export prices to import prices.

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Repo Rate

SARB's lending rate to commercial banks, impacting other rates.

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Money Supply

Reflects liquidity including currency and bank deposits in the economy.

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Population Growth

Tracks population size impacting demand.

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Life Expectancy

Average lifespan of the population.

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Infant Mortality Rate

Mortality rate of children under one year old.

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Enrolment Rates

Percentage of children in school impacting future workforce.

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Housing Development

Indicates housing availability reflecting quality of life.

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Urbanisation Rate

Moving to cities affects economic development.

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Access to Basic Services

Access to power, water, and sewage systems.

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Economically Active Population (EAP)

Working age people available to work

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Producer Price Index (PPI)

Measures selling price changes from domestic production.

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What is Protectionism?

Involves government actions restricting international trade.

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What is Free Trade?

A plan to eliminate discrimination against imports and exports.

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What is the Infant Industry Argument?

Protecting new industries until they can compete globally.

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What is job preservation?

Preserving local employment by restricting imports.

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What is National Security (Protectionism)?

Ensuring self-sufficiency in critical sectors for national defense.

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What is Preventing Dumping?

Preventing foreign firms from selling goods below cost.

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What is Economic Diversification?

Reducing reliance on imports by fostering diverse local industries.

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What is Specialization?

Nations concentrate on producing goods they are most efficient at.

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What is Access to Goods?

Consumers get access to a wider range of goods, often cheaper.

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What is Economic Efficiency?

Efficient global resource use boosts productivity and innovation.

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What is Economic Growth?

Expanded markets and investments increase possibilities for growth.

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What is Export Promotion?

Policies encouraging local companies to export their products.

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What is Import Substitution?

Promoting local production of goods that were previously imported.

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What is Economic Growth?

Increase in a country's real GDP or its per capita equivalent over a specified time.

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What is Economic Development?

Economic Growth along with rising living standards, equality, and well-being.

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What is Increased Government Expenditure?

More spending by the government to stimulate commercial activity.

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What is Redistribution of Income?

Policies aimed at reallocating income to boost buying power for the poor.

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What is Import Substitution?

Encouraging local production of goods that would otherwise be imported.

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What is Export Promotion?

Supporting local industries to increase their export activities.

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What is Labor Quality?

Enhancing productivity through improved instruction and professional training.

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What is Resource Management?

Using resources efficiently and sustainably.

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What is Capital Accumulation?

Investing in infrastructure and equipment to improve capacity.

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What is Advancing Technology?

Innovation raises productivity and global competitiveness.

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What is Entrepreneurship?

Encouraging entrepreneurs to innovate for new opportunities.

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What is the RDP?

Aims to meet basic needs and democratize society.

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What is GEAR?

A market-led growth strategy.

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What is AsgiSA?

The initiative targeted halving poverty.

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What is the NGP?

Focuses on creating jobs.

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What is North/South Divide?

Unequal resource access between developed and developing regions.

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What is the NIPF?

Overall strategy for South Africa's industrial sector

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What are IPAPs?

Detailed actions for implementing the guiding framework.

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Study Notes

Protectionism and Free Trade

  • Protectionism involves government policies restricting international trade to protect local businesses.
  • Common protectionist tools: tariffs, quotas, and subsidies.
  • Free trade eliminates discrimination against imports and exports, promoting unrestricted international exchange.
  • Free trade benefits: specialization, economies of scale, enhanced consumer choice, innovation, and improved international relations.
  • Understanding protectionism and free trade is vital for grasping global economic interactions and their impact on national economies.

Arguments for Protectionism

  • Infant Industry Argument: Protects emerging industries until they can compete internationally.
  • Job Preservation: Protects jobs from cheaper imports.
  • National Security: Ensures self-sufficiency in critical industries.
  • Prevention of Dumping: Protects local businesses from foreign companies selling goods below cost.
  • Economic Diversification: Reduces import dependency by supporting diverse local industries.

Arguments for Free Trade

  • Specialization: Nations focus on producing goods where they have a comparative advantage.
  • Access to Goods and Services: Consumers get wider variety and lower prices.
  • Economic Efficiency: Promotes efficient resource allocation, productivity, and innovation.
  • Economic Growth: Expands markets and investment opportunities.

South Africa’s Trade Policies

  • Export Promotion: Policies encourage local firms to export, increasing participation in the global market.
  • Import Substitution: Encourages local production of goods to reduce dependency on foreign goods, strengthening domestic industries.
  • Major Trade Relationships: SACU, SADC, and partnerships with China and the EU involve both protectionist and free trade measures.

Economic Growth and Development

  • Economic Growth: Increase in a country's real GDP or real GDP per capita.
  • Economic Development: Improvements in living standards, income equity, and general wellbeing.
  • This unit delves into strategies and methods employed by governments to foster economic growth and development, particularly focusing on the approaches in South Africa.
  • It also addresses the challenges posed by the North/South divide and income inequality and explores sustainable income redistribution strategies.

Demand-Side Approach to Economic Growth

  • Increased Government Expenditure: Stimulates economic activity through government spending.
  • Redistribution of Income: Enhances consumption among lower-income earners.
  • Import Substitution: Retains economic benefits within the country by producing goods locally.
  • Export Promotion: Increases exports, leading to higher production and economic growth.

Supply-Side Approach to Economic Growth

  • Improving Labor Force Quality: Education and training enhance productivity.
  • Managing Natural Resources: Efficient and sustainable management of resources.
  • Accumulating Capital Goods: Investment in infrastructure and technology.
  • Advancements in Technology: Innovation improves productivity and competitiveness.
  • Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurs discover and exploit new business opportunities.

Approaches Used in South Africa

  • Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP): Focuses on basic needs, human resources, economy building, and democratizing society.
  • Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR): Aims at market-led growth, fiscal and monetary discipline, and investor confidence.
  • Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa (AsgiSA): Targets halving unemployment and poverty by improving economic growth.
  • New Growth Path (NGP): Focuses on job creation and identifying job drivers like infrastructure and agriculture.

The North/South Divide

  • Economic Divide: Disparity in income, stability, and access to resources between developed "North" and developing "South."
  • Human Divide: Differences in health, education, and income (as measured by the HDI).

Evaluation of South African Approaches

  • Policies incorporate both demand and supply-side approaches, emphasizing economic restructuring and inclusive growth.
  • Evaluations focus on reducing poverty, inequality, unemployment, and their impact on economic growth.

Industrial Development Policies

  • South Africa’s industrial policies promote economic growth and sustainable development.
  • Policies aim to increase industrial activity, diversify the economy, and enhance regional development.
  • South Africa's industrial policies are anchored in various strategic frameworks aimed at promoting economic growth and sustainable development.

Key Frameworks in South Africa

  • National Industrial Policy Framework (NIPF): Guides overall industrial strategy.
  • Industrial Policy Action Plans (IPAP): Details actions to implement the NIPF.
  • National Research and Development Strategy (NRDS): Boosts innovation across industries.
  • Integrated Manufacturing Strategy (IMS): Enhances competitiveness in manufacturing.
  • Special Economic Zones (SEZs): Offer incentives to attract businesses.

Justification of South Africa’s Industrial Policies

  • Economic Diversification: Reduces dependence on traditional sectors.
  • Job Creation: Addresses unemployment through labor-intensive activities.
  • Enhancing Competitiveness: Improves efficiency on a global scale.
  • Regional Development: Promotes equitable economic development across regions.
  • South Africa’s industrial policies are crafted to respond to both domestic economic needs and global economic trends.

Alignment with International Best Practices

  • Governance and Transparency: Ensures accountable policy implementation.
  • Sustainability: Focuses on sustainable industrial practices.
  • Inclusivity: Benefits a broad spectrum of the population.
  • Partnerships and Integration: Encourages public-private partnerships and regional integration.
  • South Africa's industrial strategies align with international best practices through governance, sustainability, inclusivity, partnerships, and integration.

Regional Development

  • Integral to reducing economic disparities.
  • Spatial Development Initiatives (SDIs): Target underdeveloped areas for infrastructure and industrial development.
  • Industrial Development Zones (IDZs) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs): Offer incentives to attract investments.
  • Regional development is integral to South Africa's industrial policy, aimed at reducing economic disparities between regions.

Evaluation of South Africa’s Industrial Strategies

  • Assesses the impact on economic growth, employment, investment levels, and technological advancement.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of South Africa's industrial strategies involves assessing the impact on economic growth, employment, investment levels, and technological advancement

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

  • Implementation Gaps: Differences between policy goals and outcomes.
  • Resource Allocation: Ensuring resources are used efficiently.
  • Skills Development: Bridging the skills gap.
  • Infrastructure Development: Continued investment in infrastructure.
  • There are challenges that need addressing to enhance the effectiveness of South Africa’s industrial policies including implementation gaps, resource allocation, skills development, and infrastructure development.

Economic and Social Performance Indicators

  • Used to assess South Africa's economic and social wellbeing.
  • Crucial for understanding the economy and gauging social progress.
  • These indicators are crucial for understanding the dynamics of the economy, gauging social progress, and formulating policy responses.

Economic Indicators

  • Inflation Rate:
    • Consumer Price Index (CPI): Measures average price change for household goods and services.
    • Producer Price Index (PPI): Reflects average movement of selling prices from domestic production.
  • Employment Indicators:
    • Economically Active Population (EAP): Persons (15-65 years) available for labor.
    • Employment Rate: Proportion of EAP that is employed.
    • Unemployment Rate: Percentage of labor force unemployed but seeking employment.
  • Foreign Trade:
    • Exchange Rate: Value of the South African rand against other currencies.
    • Terms of Trade: Comparison of export prices to import prices.
  • Interest Rates:
    • Repo Rate: Rate at which the South African Reserve Bank lends to commercial banks.
  • Money Supply:
    • M1, M2, M3: Reflect liquidity available in the economy.

Social Indicators

  • Demographics:
    • Population Growth: Impacts demand for goods, services, and infrastructure.
    • Life Expectancy: Measures overall health.
  • Health and Nutrition:
    • Infant and Under-5 Mortality Rates: Indicate health environment and healthcare effectiveness.
    • Access to Health Services: Reflects government priorities and effectiveness.
  • Education:
    • Enrolment Rates: Impacts future workforce skills and economic growth.
    • Public Spending on Education: Indicates government's commitment to improving education.
  • Housing and Urbanisation:
    • Housing Development: Reflects economic stability and quality of life.
    • Urbanisation Rate: Affects economic development patterns.
  • Access to Basic Services:
    • Electricity, Water, and Sanitation: Essential for quality of life and infrastructural development.

International Comparisons

  • South Africa’s performance compared internationally to gauge progress and alignment with global standards.
  • Helps in securing international aid and planning for sustainable development.
  • Understanding how South Africa compares to other nations helps in securing international aid and in planning for sustainable development.

Uses of These Indicators

  • Policy Formulation: Identifies areas needing intervention and evaluates policy impact.
  • Investment Decisions: Assesses economic stability and growth potential.
  • International Benchmarking: Compares South Africa’s performance with other countries.

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