2009年-世界发展银行全球_Bazaars_and_Trade_Integration_in_CAREC_Countries_48页_1mb

Summary of Bazaars and Trade Integration in CAREC Countries

Core Content

This report, prepared by the World Bank in 2009, analyzes the role of bazaars in Central Asia as critical economic and trade facilitators within the CAREC (Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation) framework. It is based on survey data and trade statistics from 2008 and highlights the importance of bazaars in promoting trade, employment, and economic welfare in the region.

Main Findings

1. Bazaars as Economic and Trade Hubs

• Bazaars in Central Asia are not just traditional marketplaces but are evolving into complex trading and logistics centers.
• They are categorized into international hub bazaars, nation-wide/region-wide bazaars, and city/local bazaars, each with distinct roles and characteristics.
• Bazaars provide logistics and marketing opportunities, acting as re-export platforms and enabling trade between local producers and international markets.
• They are more cost-effective than modern shopping malls and offer predictable and stable relations with state authorities, thanks to the concentration of traders and intermediation.

2. Trade Volume and Economic Contribution

• Bazaars intermediate a significant portion of foreign trade in Central Asia, with an estimated $10 billion in annual trade.
• One fifth of total imports into the four CA CAREC countries (Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan) are mediated through bazaars.
• In 2008, $2.5–3.5 billion of goods traded in surveyed bazaars were domestic or from other CA countries.
• Bazaars are crucial for economic integration and poverty alleviation, as they provide affordable goods and employment opportunities.

3. Employment and Poverty Reduction

• Bazaars generate significant employment, with 70–80% of vendors being women.
• They create employment beyond direct sales, including roles in transport, services, and local production.
• The aggregate annual value of wages, taxes, and lease income from surveyed bazaars in 2008 was around $1.5 billion.

4. Positive Externalities

• Bazaars enhance logistics and marketing skills that are transferable to modern trade networks.
• They reduce marketing costs for domestic producers, allowing them to reach domestic and international markets.
• Despite low tariffs and almost duty-free regimes, Kyrgyzstan's apparel industry has not been negatively impacted but has instead expanded due to competition with Chinese imports.

5. Policy Implications

• Governments should avoid over-regulation of bazaars, as they are vital for economic welfare and employment.
• Permits and infrastructure development should be streamlined to support bazaar operations.
• Improving the business climate is essential to enhance the positive externalities of bazaars.
• Reducing MFN tariffs on bazaar products, especially clothing and footwear, could increase government revenue without harming local industries.

Key Insights

• Bazaars are not obsolete but are integral to modern trade in Central Asia.
• Logistics efficiency is a major strength of bazaars, with trucks being the primary mode of transport, offering flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
• Kyrgyzstan has emerged as a regional hub for re-exports, particularly for textiles and clothing, due to its liberal regulations and special duty-free regime.
• Shuttle trading plays a key role in cross-border trade, with women dominating this sector.
• Global recession may have limited impact on bazaar activities, but uncertainty remains, especially regarding consumer purchasing power and foreign exchange earnings.

Conclusion

The report underscores that bazaars are vital for trade integration, economic growth, and poverty reduction in Central Asia. Their organizational structure, logistical efficiency, and role in re-export make them indispensable in the region's trade networks. Therefore, policy support is crucial to ensure their sustainable development and continued contribution to the regional economy.