OECD Home › Economy › Economic surveys and country surveillance › Latest Documents
Latest Documents
The OECD’s latest economic survey of Brazil, to be published on Tuesday 14 July 2009, looks at the challenges the country faces as it recovers from the global downturn. It also discusses the reforms needed to reinforce long-term growth and raise living standards.
The tax system is relying too much on relatively growth distorting taxes. Despite reforms, labour taxation continues to contribute to substantial labour market traps while corporate tax rates are relatively high. Moreover, most tax bases are narrowed by numerous exemptions and reductions.
The Belgian economy is in a deep recession. Nevertheless, the government should not forego structural reforms in areas such as labour policy, fiscal policy, fiscal federalism, taxation and competition. Such reforms are particularly important to meet the challenge of securing fiscal sustainability.
Securing fiscal sustainability requires a reform of the fiscal federalism system. The current transfer system does not align spending and taxing responsibilities and the organisation of the federation is not promoting public spending efficiency.
Public finances are shifting further away from fiscal sustainability, emphasising the need for the reform of the fiscal policy making and strategies to deal with the costs of ageing.
List of Economic Surveys - Belgium
8-July-2009
English, , 395kb
After four years of strong growth, the Belgian economy entered a deep recession during the second half of 2008 under the impact of the international crisis. The economy was first affected by the turmoil in the banking sector and subsequently by the collapse in international trade. The government swiftly intervened to support the financial system and implemented a moderately sized fiscal stimulus package that is broadly appropriate for
Competition policies are being strengthened which will improve consumer welfare and growth. However, competition in retail is hindered by unusually extensive sector regulation while the liberalisation of network sectors has been less successful than in other OECD countries.
The Belgian economy has entered into a deep recession. The government responded with prompt interventions in the financial markets and fiscal stimulus, but needs to follow up with long-term structural reforms.
The Belgian economy is in a deep recession. Nevertheless, the government should not forego structural reforms in areas such as labour policy, fiscal policy, fiscal federalism, taxation and competition. Such reforms are particularly important to meet the challenge of securing fiscal sustainabilit
Follow us
E-mail Alerts Blogs