Economic Development and Consumption Patterns in Asian Countries

This book analyzes consumption patterns in Asian countries that are at different stages of economic development and highlights the similarities and disparities of consumption patterns across countries using a system-wide framework. In a departure from previous studies in the literature which mainly present only single-country analysis, this book aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of cross-country consumption patterns considering several Asian countries, using the most recent consumption expenditure data for aggregate commodity groups. In comparing consumption patterns across countries, the book use unit-free measurements such as budget shares and changes in logarithms of price and quantities, thus avoiding problems associated with exchange rate conversions. The book also analyses the dynamic behaviour in the consumption patterns of the Asian consumers. The findings of this book will be invaluable to researchers in development economics as well as policymakers in the formulation of fiscal policy or other types of economic control.