2023. Working papers
Konstantīns Beņkovskis, Oļegs Matvejevs
This paper describes the new version of Latvian CGE model, which is now an integral part of the joint CGE-EUROMOD modelling system. Special attention is devoted to the labour market and consumption blocks of CGE that are substantially improved compared with the previous version. We briefly describe the motivation to link Latvian CGE with Latvian EUROMOD and provide major technical details. We also provide an example of the policy simulation by the joint CGE-EUROMOD system, demonstrating how the introduction of the progressive personal income tax rate affected the Latvian economy at macro, industry and micro level.
Keywords: CGE model, Latvia, labour market, consumption, EUROMOD
JEL codes: D58, C68, H2, H6, D9
Konstantins Beņkovskis, Ludmila Fadejeva, Anna Pluta, Anna Zasova
In this paper, we link a CGE model with the tax-benefit microsimulation model EUROMOD for Latvia. The model linkage is done using an iterative top-down bottom-up approach, ensuring the convergence of changes in disposable income, employment and wage in both models. We also incorporate the unreported wage payments in CGE and EUROMOD to account for the substantial labour tax non-compliance in Latvia and improve the modelling of the fiscal sector.
Several simulations demonstrate the advantages of the joint CGE-EUROMOD system over the individual macro and microsimulation models. The lack of income distribution aspect and the scarcity of fiscal instruments in CGE can be overcome by the features of EUROMOD. The CGE model, on the other hand, provides macroeconomic spillovers that are missing in the simulations of EUROMOD.
Keywords: EUROMOD, CGE model, model linkage, informal sector
JEL codes: C68, D58, D90, J46