Policy Dialogues for Post-pandemic Recovery

As part of the cycle of Policy Dialogues for Post-pandemic Recovery, CAF is organizing the online event “Cross-cutting Policies for Productivity,” which will feature high-ranking authorities of governments of the region and experts.

Latin America was one of the regions hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. The sharp fall in economic activity and loss of jobs could exacerbate the weakening of potential growth seen since the end of the commodities super-cycle in 2015. This is due to the deterioration in the allocation of funds caused by the shutdown of businesses, the loss of job skills and human capital due to the rise in unemployment and informal labor, greater difficulties in matching the supply of labor with the demand of companies, and dwindling investments. As a result, returning to pre-pandemic income levels and low growth rates will be insufficient to reverse its impact on economic activity and employment.

Thus, recovery will have to be supported by policies that underpin long-term productivity and growth. There are cross-cutting policies that are effective in addressing common problems for most companies and workers, regardless of the industry. These include, particularly, the reduction of entry (and exit) costs of firms, ensuring a context of greater competition and entrepreneurship; facilitating access to high-quality imported raw materials and external markets for their exports; the design of labor regulations that favor the creation of formal jobs and the migration of informal workers to these companies; and, equally important, to ensure access to financing for both start-ups and existing businesses.

This seminar will discuss the results and recommendations of a series of papers prepared by CAF experts and guest specialists on promoting productivity in Latin America for post-pandemic recovery. 

Date: Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Time: 11:00 a.m. (Venezuela)

This event will be broadcast on this website