[TimorLesteStudies] New article: Lundahl and Sjoholm: Population growth and job creation in Timor-Leste

[Bu Wilson]

Lundahl, M. and Sjoholm, F. 2009. Population growth and job creation in
Timor-Leste. Journal of the Asia Pacific Economy. Vol. 14, No. 1, February
2009, 90-104


Abstract
Timor-Leste began its independence as one of the poorest nations in the
world. Substantial
progress has been made thereafter but the challenges for future development
are
numerous. High population growth and modest growth of GDP means that per
capita
income is declining and that the extent of poverty is increasing. For this
situation to
change, income opportunities other than those provided by subsistence
agriculture are
needed. Considering the low level of education and the keen competition for
skilled
personnel this, however, is difficult. So far, it seems that most skilled
workers are being
absorbed by the public sector and that this is pushing up the already high
skilled wage
level. That, in turn, affects the competitiveness of the private sector
negatively and acts
as an obstacle to the creation of employment opportunities outside
agriculture.

Keywords: Timor-Leste; job creation; development; industry

Bu Wilson
Regulatory  Institutions Network (RegNet) Research School of Pacific and
Asian Studies
College of Asia and the Pacific,
Australian National University 
Canberra   ACT   0200 
AUSTRALIA 

T: 02 6125 3194
F: 02 6125 1507
M: 0407 087 086
E: Bu.Wilson at anu.edu.au



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