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Focuses on the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the outlook for economic reform in Eastern Europe. Discussion of the roles of the World Bank and the IMF in the shifting economies of communist countries as they move toward liberal capitalism; The influence of the Group of Seven (G7) governments in helping ex-communist countries, including the Soviet Union; The need for cooperation between the two financial institutions and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; How macroeconomics and microeconomics are intertwined in Eastern Europe; Lack of understanding about the transitions that are underway in Third World regions.

Focuses on economic conditions in Eastern Europe as of October 1997. The likelihood that it could be the next region to suffer exchange-rate turmoil; The rapid growth experienced by many countries during the 1990s; Examples of other areas that have seen a rapid rise in their exchange-rate injure the competetiveness of their exports; Financial data; Analysis.

Discusses the challenges confronting the transition of Eastern Europe into a market economy. Business growth despite banking and corporate scandals; Complexity of economic reform and the impact of recession on small businesses; Role of politics on economic development.

Describes how some analysts dare to believe that recovery in the Central European countries has begun. Industrial production in the northern three--Poland, Czechoslovakia and Hungary--has stopped falling. Other states continuing to talk like reformers; Main source of good tidings; Stabilization programs; Following advice of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Assesses the economic statistics for East European countries in 1991. Office building occupancy rate in Czechoslovakia; Business conditions in Warsaw, Poland; Cost of living in Budapest, Hungary.

Looks at how the task that confronts the economies of Eastern Europe is only now becoming clear. Privatization the top priority for the reforming governments of Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia; Eastern Germany since unification; How to value the assets to be privatized; Lack of domestic purchasing power; Need for caution towards foreign capital; Details; Outlook.

Examines the economic condition in Eastern Europe. Discussion of the prudence shown by western businessmen in investing in the region; Number of registered companies with foreign shareholders in Hungary; Minimum capital of exporting businesses in Poland; Problems faced by investors in Hungary.

Informs that economists are wondering how quickly the former Communist economies of Eastern Europe will be able to grow. Comparison of very fast-growing economies, poor European Union (EU) countries, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary; Factors which influenced growth in 1995, including index of economic freedom, government consumption as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), and elderly population as percentage of working population.

Shows why families with children have been hurt more than pensioners as a result of market reform in Eastern Europe. Fall, in real terms, of wages and welfare; Other factors that have worsened the plight of families with children including the rise in unemployment, social changes, and high payroll taxes; Comparisons between countries.

Discusses unemployment in East Europe, and explains why some former communist countries have much higher unemployment rates than others. Focuses on Poland, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Russia; Labor-market flexibility; The trade-off where jobs are concerned.

Part II. Looks at conditions put on East European countries before they can join the European Union (EU) and asserts that East Europeans are closer to having market economies than many people realize. Report of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development that estimated that 65 percent of Czech GDP is nor produced in the private sector.

Reports that the fast-adjusting economies of Eastern Europe--Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Poland--might be ready to join the hard-currency core of Europe surprisingly soon and questions how this could affect France's relationship with Germany. Impact of the satellite countries; Speed with which these fast-adjusting economies are integrating with Germany's; Hope that fast adjusters have of raising their living standards through agriculture; More.

Examines the value-subtractors of Eastern Europe. Economic reform; Realization by the governments of the importance of privatization; Use of capital and labor to subtract value from other inputs; Decision by Eastern Germany and Poland to open their economies to the outside world; Distinction between making losses and subtracting value; Trade liberalization.