Fiscal policy and economic growth

"All governments face complex choices in fiscal policy that inevitably affect economic growth, income distribution, and poverty rates in their countries. This study explores fiscal policies in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ECA) and the impact of these policies on economic growth. It studies how the fiscal deficit, government size, and the composition of public spending and revenues affect growth, and it examines options for improved efficiency in several key areas of public spending (including infrastructure, education, health, and pensions), and taxation. While focusing primarily on ECA, the study also brings in experiences from rapidly growing economies in other regions of the world to draw useful lessons for ECA and elsewhere."--BOOK JACKET.