Monday, August 20, 2007

FROM CRISIS TO BALTIC TIGER THROUGH THE PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMIC LIBERTY: THE CASE OF ESTONIA

Estonia is a beautiful country where a lot of adorable women come from. It is also the freest country in the world (link) according to State of World Liberty. Even one of my favorite bands (link) is Estonian. Tallinn, perhaps the most e-city in the world and Estonia's capital is frequently named the Silicon Valley of the East. The city indeed transformed itself from the a Soviet-styled fortress into the high-tech economic powerhouse of the Baltics surrounded by Skype, Microsoft and high tech culture in general. Mart Laar, Estonia's former prime minister, thoroughly characterized the lessons from freedom and growth in Estonia. As to trade policy, whereas nearly all trade barriers were abolished, Mart Laar said:

"Tariff policy will tend to evolve in a myopic, haphazard fashion, influenced more by rent-seeking than by sound analysis."

Recently, I came across the resourceful outline, first-hand notable account of how following the principles of economic liberty pays interest, and a fascinating detailed description of Estonian economic miracle by Mart Laar. It can be read here.

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