Liberalization

Liberalization in an economy is the reduction in control by the government to ensure more participation by private entities. The term gained popularity during the 1980s, with the developing countries owning the practice more for foreign capital and investments. The three fastest-growing economies today, Brazil, China, and India, have been practicing liberalization of their economies to foreign capital. Economic liberalization in trade aims to foster a more open, competitive, and globally integrated economy. 

The former British prime minister wrote, "Success will go to those companies and countries that are swift to adapt, slow to complain, open, and willing to change.". 

 

Key Features of Liberalization 

Liberalization is linked with economic reforms, where the government reduces control over trade, state-owned enterprises, and financial regulations and focuses more on the global economy. 

The Key Features of Liberalization on the Economy are: 

• Reduction of control by the government: Less restrictions over businesses and industries and giving power to the market to drive economic activity. 
• Free Trade Policies: Reduction in tariffs and lesser import/export restrictions for smooth global trade. 
• Privatization: Transferring ownership to private entities from the government to improve efficiency. 
• Deregulation of Market: Industries like banking, telecom, and infrastructure have relaxed the rules for private participation. 
• More Foreign Investment: Policies supporting Foreign Direct Investments to allow multinational companies to enter domestic markets. 

 

Goals of Economic Liberalization in Trade 

The main goal of economic liberalization in trade is the smooth participation of the global market in international commerce. This ensures an increment in efficiency, economic growth, and the involvement of more industries. 

The primary goals of economic liberalization in trade are: 

• Reduction of Trade Barriers 
• Expansion of Global Market Access
• Attract Foreign Investors
• Enhance the spirit of Competition and Efficiency 
• Strengthen Economic Growth 
• Lowering Costs for Consumers 
• Integration of Global Economy 

 

Liberalization in India 

Liberalization saw a major reform in India in 1991, introduced by the government, shifting the economic control from the administrators to the market. When India faced a financial crisis, Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Manmohan Singh addressed the situation by introducing liberalization in economic policies, opening India to a global economy. 

The Key Features of Liberalization in India are: 

• Reduction of Government Control: Reducing the role of Licensing or License Raj 
• Foreign Direct Investment: FDI limits were increased, and import duties were reduced
• Privatization of government-owned companies: Maruti Udyog Limited was privatized, and it became Maruti Suzuki 
• Financial Sector Reform: Private banks like ICICI were permitted to operate
• Tax Reforms: Introduction of GST to simplify the tax structure 
• Liberalization in Trade: India became a member of the World Trade Organization in 1995 

 

Effect of Liberalization 

Liberalization has positively and negatively affected society, bringing the nation to its current state. Both the positive and negative impacts have their benefits; where the positive impact drives the economy and decides the position globally, the negative implications bring forth a chance to develop new strategies and improvisation.

Positive Effects of Liberalization 

• Higher Economic Growth 
• More Foreign Investment 
• Consumer Benefits 
• Creates Employment Opportunities 

Negative Effects of Liberalization 

• Income Inequality 
• Threat to Small Businesses 
• Economic Dependence on Foreign Investment 
• Environmental Concerns

Read More:

• Partnership Deed
• Equity Shares
• Negotiable Instruments Act 
• 14 Principles of Management 

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs ) 

What are the goals of economic liberalization in trade? 

The key goals of economic liberalization in trade are: 

• Reduction of Trade Barriers 
• Expansion of Global Market Access
• Attract Foreign Investors
• Lowering Costs for Consumers 
• Integration of Global Economy 

What were the effects of liberalization in India? 

Liberalization in India affected the economy, foreign investments, expansion of several industries, job creation, and freedom in consumer choices. However, it also led to the creation of income inequality and a threat to small businesses. 

What is the difference between liberalization, privatization, and globalization? 

• Liberalization: Reduction of restrictions in business and trade.
• Privatization: Transferring the ownership to private entities from the public sector 
• Globalization: Integrating the economy with the global market through investments, trade, and technology exchange.