Challenges of Inflation and Price Reform in Developing Economies (With Reference to the Iranian Economy)

Challenges of Inflation and Price Reform in Developing Economies (With Reference to the Iranian Economy)

This paper intends to address the problem of inflation in less developed, and transitional economies, where the institutions of market is not fully developed. It is argued that the conventional Neo-Classical policies based on rigid Monetarist views fail to properly address the problem in less developed economies, and as a result its policy prescriptions are bound to fail. In These economies the issue of persisting inflation and unemployment, presents a serious challenge, which requires a more realistic approach in studying the problem. Considering the case of Iran, following a brief review of the background of a dualistic structure in the economy, the nature of recent price changes and distribution patterns is analyzed for various income groups. Then it is argued that while the current price and subsidy reform could lead to higher economic efficiency, a significant success in this program requires however, supplementary macroeconomic reforms in several areas, towards the goal of greater economic growth and a more competitive position in global markets.