Testeando la hipótesis de la enfermedad holandesa en la economía boliviana
Abstract
En los últimos años Bolivia ha experimentado una fuerte entrada de divisas debido en parte a un notable repunte en los precios de los recursos naturales que exporta, elemento que junto a la apreciación real ha generado la inquietud sobre si la economía nacional está experimentando la conocida Enfermedad Holandesa (EH). Este documento basado en condiciones de Oomes y Kalcheva (2007) para detectarla (apreciación real, menor crecimiento de la manufactura, crecimiento acelerado de los servicios y mayores salarios), concluye que no existe evidencia empírica sobre este fenómeno. En particular, no se advierte una sobrevaluación cambiaria ni un des-alineamiento persistente del tipo de cambio real, ni una desindustrialización manufacturera. La evolución del sector de servicios y sus precios, así como los salarios reales, no responden a la dinámica del sector en boom. Sin embargo, el documento considera que la presencia de este fenómeno merece una estrecha vigilancia.
In recent years, Bolivia has experienced a strong in flow of foreign currency due in part to a sharp rise in prices of natural resources exports. This element along with the real exchange rate appreciation has created concern about whether the economy is experiencing the so-called Dutch Disease (DD). Based on conditions described in Oomes and Kalcheva (2007) to detect this economic phenomenon (real appreciation, slower manufacturing sector growth, prompt growth of services and higher wages), this document finds no empirical evidence on this phenomenon. In particular, neither an overvalued exchange rate nor a persistent misalignment of the real exchange rate, nor a manufacturing de-industrialization is observed. The evolution of the services sector, their prices and real wages do not respond to the dynamics of a sector boom. However, the document considers that the presence of this phenomenon deserves close scrutiny.
In recent years, Bolivia has experienced a strong in flow of foreign currency due in part to a sharp rise in prices of natural resources exports. This element along with the real exchange rate appreciation has created concern about whether the economy is experiencing the so-called Dutch Disease (DD). Based on conditions described in Oomes and Kalcheva (2007) to detect this economic phenomenon (real appreciation, slower manufacturing sector growth, prompt growth of services and higher wages), this document finds no empirical evidence on this phenomenon. In particular, neither an overvalued exchange rate nor a persistent misalignment of the real exchange rate, nor a manufacturing de-industrialization is observed. The evolution of the services sector, their prices and real wages do not respond to the dynamics of a sector boom. However, the document considers that the presence of this phenomenon deserves close scrutiny.
Description
No. 21