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Question 33 of 318

In order to build up its capital stock, the typical less developed country should ideally

  • A. Increase total saving
  • B. Depend on hand-out from foreigners
  • C. Impose tariff on import
  • D. nationalise all foreign concern

Correct Answer: A

Explanation
Correct Option: A. Increase total saving Explanation of Why Option A is Correct:
  1. Understanding Capital Stock: Capital stock refers to the total amount of physical assets (like machinery, buildings, and infrastructure) that a country has available for production. For less developed countries (LDCs), building up capital stock is crucial for economic growth and development.
  2. Role of Savings in Capital Formation: Savings are essential for investment. When individuals and businesses save money, those funds can be used to finance investments in capital goods. Increased savings lead to more funds available for investment, which in turn helps to build up the capital stock.
  3. Investment and Economic Growth: Higher levels of capital stock typically lead to increased productivity. For LDCs, which often have lower productivity levels, increasing capital stock through domestic savings can help improve economic output and living standards.
  4. Sustainability of Growth: Relying on domestic savings is more sustainable in the long run compared to foreign aid or handouts. It fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among citizens and can lead to more stable economic conditions.
Why the Other Options are Wrong or Weaker:
  • Option B: Depend on hand-out from foreigners:
  • Dependency Issues: Relying on foreign aid can create a dependency that may stifle local initiative and self-sufficiency. While foreign aid can provide temporary relief, it does not build a sustainable economic foundation.
  • Uncertain Funding: Foreign aid can be unpredictable and may come with conditions that do not align with the country’s development goals. This can lead to misallocation of resources and hinder long-term growth.
  • Option C: Impose tariff on imports:
  • Short-term Protectionism: While tariffs can protect local industries in the short term, they can also lead to higher prices for consumers and retaliation from trading partners. This can reduce overall economic efficiency and limit access to necessary goods and technologies.
  • Limited Capital Formation: Tariffs do not directly contribute to increasing savings or capital stock. Instead, they may protect existing industries without fostering new investment or innovation.
  • Option D: Nationalise all foreign concerns:
  • Risk of Alienating Investors: Nationalization can deter foreign investment, which is often crucial for technology transfer and capital inflow. It can lead to a loss of expertise and management skills that foreign companies bring.
  • Economic Inefficiency: Nationalized industries may lack the competitive pressures that drive efficiency and innovation, potentially leading to stagnation rather than growth.
Summary of Key Points:
  • Increasing total savings is essential for building capital stock in less developed countries, as it provides the necessary funds for investment.
  • Foreign aid can create dependency and is not a sustainable solution for long-term economic growth.
  • Tariffs may protect local industries but can lead to inefficiencies and higher consumer prices without directly increasing capital stock.
  • Nationalization of foreign concerns can deter investment and lead to inefficiencies, hindering economic development.
By focusing on increasing savings, LDCs can create a more robust and self-sustaining economic environment conducive to growth and development.
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