This article examines the public and private partnerships (PPPs) in investments in the provision of public goods by drawing rich insights from the developments in the theory of the firm (transaction and information costs and moral hazard behavior). This article attempts to introduce (PPP) as a form of governance structure that is efficient from the other structures in terms of contractual norms, transaction costs of uncertainty and asset specificity and information asymmetry through proper monitoring and incentive mechanism. It applies the insights to the analysis of two case studies to examine under what conditions PPPs succeed or fail.

Keywords: Public-private partnership, incomplete contracts, incentives, information asymmetry and costs, e-governance
JEL: H4, H5, D6

While several studies exist on time series ARIMA modeling of inflation in Bangladesh, the adequacy of these models in terms of forecasting capability remains questionable. In these studies, the difficulty arises in finding the right model, as there are many candidates for forecasting, and choosing the optimal model is done seemingly on an ad hoc basis. To address this issue, we employ an automated search algorithm to programmatically find the optimal model. Acknowledging the potential risks of any automated process, we also compare this model with other manually chosen ARIMA models. It was found that the automated model outperformed other models in terms of forecasting accuracy.

Keywords: Inflation; forecasting; ARIMA modelling; Bangladesh
JEL Codes: E31. E37, E42

This study investigates the export promotion status of Nepal, with a focus on the crushed and ground cardamom sector. Utilizing analytical tools such as Trade Map, Market Access Map, and Export Potential Map under UN COMTRADE and ITC statistics, the research provides a comprehensive assessment of trade dynamics and market opportunities. The research analyzes production trends, prospect and possibilities to export, and export potential diversification, emphasizing the tariff faced by exporters. Key findings indicate that Growing cardamom is a vital source of revenue in the remote highland regions of Nepal. Government regulations, a dearth of incentives, and drawnout certification procedures, however, impede certification attempts. Nepal is the fifth-largest exporter of enormous cardamom in the world, but its performance is subpar because of middlemen, a lack of trade promotion, and laws that make it difficult for businesses to operate. Due to its export connections and current trade, India, the second-largest cardamom exporter, offers a sizable potential market for Nepalese cardamom. To evaluate Nepal’s place in the value chain and increase brand recognition, more research is required.

Keywords: International Trade, Export Promotion, Tariff, Cardamom, Trade Map,
JEL Classification: B17, F13,

This study examines the agricultural development disparities across various districts of Punjab, India, highlighting the factors that contribute to these inequalities. Addressing the disparities is essential for promoting
sustainable agricultural growth and ensuring equitable benefits for all farmers in Punjab. The present study evaluated the relative performance of 22 districts of the State of Punjab in terms of agricultural development at two points of time i.e. 2001 and 2018. Twenty indicators of agricultural sector were used to construct a composite index at the district level to identify the agricultural sector development. Results assured that there were substantial agricultural disparities in the State. The districts Gurdaspur, Ludhiana, Patiala and Sangrur were highly agricultural developed, and Mansa, Pathankot, Barnala and S.A.S Nagar were identified as backward districts. Study concludes that increasing public investment in agricultural infrastructure (irrigation, credit institutions, commutation and marketing), setting up the appropriate farming systems, affordable new technologies and crop variety can play a major role in agricultural development. The special plan and strategies should be adopted for agriculturally backward areas. State government should made policies after identify the
weakness, strength and potential of the districts to reduce the unbalanced growth of agricultural development in Punjab.

Keywords: Economic development, regional disparities, agricultural development.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is a vital driver of economic growth, particularly in developing nations like India. The Indian Government has prioritized infrastructure development, focusing on transportation, logistics, and energy sectors to attract foreign investors. A skilled workforce, especially in the IT and software industries, and India’s commitment to innovation have further fueled FDI inflows. Political stability and improved governance are key factors, though challenges like bureaucratic hurdles remain. Reforms in sectoral regulations, particularly in defence and retail, have played a crucial role in boosting FDI. Moreover, FDI has contributed significantly to technological advancement, job creation, and bolstering India’s manufacturing sector. However, resolving remaining infrastructure gaps and regulatory complexities is essential to sustaining and increasing FDI inflows in the future.

Keywords: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Infrastructure Development, Skilled Workforce, Sectoral Reforms
JEL Classification: F21, F23, O19

As per latest survey, 89% of rural population does not have any access to credit. This exclusion of the population warranted a new form of intermediary. Consequently, Self Help Groups emerged in India in this direction.
Microfinance programme through SHGs has been effective in making positive social change to the group members. Rural sector is always remaining the main component of the development process of Indian economy. India has 6.40 lakh villages and its 72.2% of the population is living in rural areas. The emergence of SHGs has brought some hope regarding the finance and credit facilities to economically poor sections. SHGs are proving to be the most effective instruments for financial inclusion and also empower the poor. The establishment of SHGs can be traced to the existence of one or more common problem areas around which the consciousness of the rural poor is built and the process of group formation initiated. The group thus, is usually responsive to perceived need(s). Such groups have been formed around specific production activities and often they have promoted savings among their members and used the pooled resources to meet the emergent needs of the members of the group which include consumption needs.