2008 10 09 Estonian Action Plan 2008-2011 EN Final

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

2008 10 09 Estonian Action Plan 2008-2011 EN Final Republic of Estonia Action Plan for Growth and Jobs 2008 – 2011 for the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy Tallinn October 2008 CONTENTS CONTENTS...................................................................................................................................................2 INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................................3 1. BRIEF ANALYSIS OF THE COMPONENTS OF ECONOMIC GROWTH..........................................6 2. MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT..........................................................................................10 OBJECTIVE 1: ENSURE A STABLE MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT ...........................................................14 OBJECTIVE 2: DEVELOP A TAX SYSTEM THAT STRONGLY PROMOTES ECONOMIC GROWTH ..........................17 OBJECTIVE 3: ENSURING THE LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY OF FISCAL POLICIES.........................................20 3. COMPETITIVE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT...............................................................................26 OBJECTIVE 4: INCREASE THE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES .................................................................................................................................................26 OBJECTIVE 5: INCREASE THE PRODUCTIVITY AND INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS OF ENTERPRISES ......37 OBJECTIVE 6: DEVELOP A BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT FAVOURABLE TO ENTERPRISE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP 47 OBJECTIVE 7: ENSURE THE SECURITY OF ENERGY SUPPLY AND DEVELOP A COMPETITIVE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY ENERGY SECTOR ..........................................................................................56 4. EDUCATION AND LABOUR MARKET..........................................................................................67 OBJECTIVE 8: IMPROVE THE SKILLS OF THE LABOUR FORCE.......................................................................69 OBJECTIVE 9: INCREASE THE FLEXIBILITY OF THE LABOUR MARKET AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF WORKING LIFE............................................................................................................................................................87 APPENDICES..............................................................................................................................................95 APPENDIX 1: THE COMPOSITION OF THE WORKING GROUP CO-ORDINATING THE ESTONIAN ACTION PLAN FOR GROWTH AND JOBS 2008 – 2011.................................................................................................................95 APPENDIX 2: FINANCIAL PLAN BY MEASURES FOR THE ESTONIAN ACTION PLAN FOR GROWTH AND JOBS 2008–2011.................................................................................................................................................97 2 INTRODUCTION The Action Plan for Growth and Jobs 2008 – 2011 is the Government strategy for increasing the competitiveness of the economy. The plan sets goals to increase the Estonian work force to 80% of the European Union average, to increase scientific and development activities up to 2% of GDP and the growth of overall employment to 70.5%. The Action Plan for Growth and Jobs 2008 – 2011 helps implement the European Union’s growth and jobs strategy. In 2005, the Government approved the Action Plan for Growth and Jobs 2005 – 2007. When compiling the new plan, the effectiveness of the measures applied during the last period and the current status of the main areas influencing Estonian competitiveness were thoroughly analysed. The Estonian Government together with European Commission has analysed the components supporting Estonian economic growth compared to other European Union Member States. The results of the analyses are the basis for setting the main goals and emphasises of the measures in the plan. In addition, the recommendations by the European Commission1 regarding Government policy for economic competitiveness and the conclusions of the European Council competitiveness summit2 that took place in the spring of 2008 were taken into account when compiling the plan. In general, both the analysis of the components of economic growth and the conclusions of the commission show that Estonia has developed rapidly in recent years and the overall level of competitiveness is good. At the same time, both external and internal risks have increased significantly. In order to maintain and increase the competitiveness of the Estonian economy it is necessary to take several new steps (incl. first of all to increase export capacity and develop the skills of workers) and adopt sound policy to develop the economy. The Government sets 9 central objectives and 29 sub-objectives in the plan for the year 2011, and plans the measures, a timeline of activities and the funds necessary to achieve them. European Council conclusions from spring 2008 and “points-to-watch” streamlined in the Commission’s 2007 Annual Progress Report form the basis of the NRP. Main objectives set and measures undertaken are directly responding to the Commission assessment. As all the objectives are measurable and measures are listed with concrete timetable and financial allocation, there was no need to compile separate action plan for “points-to-watch” implementation. In line with the new three years cycle, brand new NRP is developed. Therefore, separate reporting of ‘old measures’ is not enclosed. Relevant information on main concrete actions in 2007 and 2008 as well as status of implementation of main measures is broadly covered in situation analysis sub- chapters of the NRP and more concretely under each sub-objective. The financial plan of the Action Plan for Growth and Jobs is in compliance with the State Budget strategy for 2009 – 2012, the 2008 State Budget Act and the draft 2009 State Budget Act presented to the Parliament by the Government. Implementation of some measures enclosed to the reform plan does not have direct budgetary implications (for example development and enforcement of legislation), in those cases finances are not foreseen in the financial plan. There 1 The European Commission brought up 6 points that the Estonian Government should pay more attention to when developing a competitiveness policy. The suggestions and recommendations were made to all the states in the report issued in December 2007 by the Commission of European Communities (http://ec.europa.eu/growthandjobs/pdf/european-dimension-200712- annual-progress-report/200712-countries-specific-recommendations_et.pdf). Estonia was one of six Member States that the European Commission did not offer official recommendations, only drew attention to certain issues. 2 The conclusions of the European Council are available at the following website: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/et/ec/99426.pdf 3 are cases where final financing decisions are not yet made by the government (impact assessment is on-going), in those cases relevant columns in the financial plan are left empty and will be complemented after decisions are made. Financial costs of the measures include EU funds and are cash-based. Therefore, yearly costs are indicative and can undergo minor annual adjustments based on implementation results. Costs for the years 2010 and 2011 could be revised during annual budgetary processes. Financial plan of the NRP covers finances need for the implementation of measures in years 2008-2011, even when the implementation period of measure is longer. Preparing the plan has involved close cooperation between Ministries and the active involvement of Government partners and experts. The completion of the Action Plan for Growth and Jobs was coordinated by the competitiveness working group3 in several Ministries put together by the Secretary of State. The State Chancellery started coordinating the compiling the new Action Plan for Growth and Jobs in January of 2008. In the first phase, there were discussions with partners in order to map out key issues and possible solutions in the areas of macro-economics, the competitive business environment as well as education and the labour market. The timeline for the plan, initial priorities and main emphasis were introduced to the Economic Affairs Committee, Cultural Affairs Committee and Social Affairs Committee during the discussions of the opinions of the European Council in spring. After meeting with partners, the descriptions of problem areas were prepared for each goal of the Action Plan for Growth and Jobs based on the current status of the area and the issues brought up by the partners, and measures were defined in order to find solutions. After thorough discussions and agreeing upon the key activities necessary for achieving the goals, the Action Plan for Growth and Jobs 2008 – 2011 was discussed at the Government meeting on May 22, 2008. In June, the discussion of the action plan took place at the European Union Affairs, Social Affairs, Financial Affairs and Cultural Affairs Committee and in September at the Economic Affairs Committee. The plan, followed up by the suggestions of Parliamentary committees, was sent to the ministries and partners for a final revision. From July 1 to August 17, the Action Plan for Growth and Jobs was opened for public discussion at the participation portal4. During the completion of the action plan several new ideas were raised for increasing Estonian competitiveness – implementing those ideas would not be rational without a thorough analysis
Recommended publications
  • Estonian Academy of Sciences Yearbook 2014 XX
    Facta non solum verba ESTONIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES YEAR BOOK ANNALES ACADEMIAE SCIENTIARUM ESTONICAE XX (47) 2014 TALLINN 2015 ESTONIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES The Year Book was compiled by: Margus Lopp (editor-in-chief) Galina Varlamova Ülle Rebo, Ants Pihlak (translators) ISSN 1406-1503 © EESTI TEADUSTE AKADEEMIA CONTENTS Foreword . 5 Chronicle . 7 Membership of the Academy . 13 General Assembly, Board, Divisions, Councils, Committees . 17 Academy Events . 42 Popularisation of Science . 48 Academy Medals, Awards . 53 Publications of the Academy . 57 International Scientific Relations . 58 National Awards to Members of the Academy . 63 Anniversaries . 65 Members of the Academy . 94 Estonian Academy Publishers . 107 Under and Tuglas Literature Centre of the Estonian Academy of Sciences . 111 Institute for Advanced Study at the Estonian Academy of Sciences . 120 Financial Activities . 122 Associated Institutions . 123 Associated Organisations . 153 In memoriam . 200 Appendix 1 Estonian Contact Points for International Science Organisations . 202 Appendix 2 Cooperation Agreements with Partner Organisations . 205 Directory . 206 3 FOREWORD The Estonian science and the Academy of Sciences have experienced hard times and bearable times. During about the quarter of the century that has elapsed after regaining independence, our scientific landscape has changed radically. The lion’s share of research work is integrated with providing university education. The targets for the following seven years were defined at the very start of the year, in the document adopted by Riigikogu (Parliament) on January 22, 2014 and entitled “Estonian research and development and innovation strategy 2014- 2020. Knowledge-based Estonia”. It starts with the acknowledgement familiar to all of us that the number and complexity of challenges faced by the society is ever increasing.
    [Show full text]
  • Economic Lessons from the Crisis - the Professionals Saved the Estonian Economy
    American International Journal of Contemporary Research Vol. 3 No. 5; May 2013 Economic Lessons from the Crisis - The Professionals Saved the Estonian Economy Dr. Lembo Tanning University of Applied Sciences Pärnu Road 62, 10135 Tallinn Estonia MSc. Toivo Tanning Tallinn University of Technology Akadeemia Street 3 12618 Tallinn Estonia. Abstract The aim of this article is to analyse the lessons learned during the economic crisis in Estonia, a successful small country. The main emphasis of the analysis is on the professions that primarily define economic results - managers and top specialists. On the other hand, Estonia can be used to make generalisations about other countries, especially in a situation, where in 2012, the gross domestic product (GDP) of the euro zone as a whole was negative and South European countries are experiencing great financial difficulties. The Estonia can be viewed as a small economic model that not only allows making generalizations about the new European Union (EU) Member States in Eastern European, but also for other states. The development of the Estonian economy before and after the crisis was one of the fastest in the EU. Yet, the crisis led to a very deep recession. The current government has followed sound fiscal policies that have resulted in balanced budgets and low public debt. Analysis concentrates mainly on professions (workforce) in relation to the economic crisis. What are the lessons learned? Keywords: economic crisis, lessons, Estonia, top specialists or professionals, managers. 1. Introduction Estonia forcibly incorporated into the USSR in 1940 - an action never recognized by the US - it regained its freedom in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union.
    [Show full text]
  • Analysis of Economic Situation in the Countries of Central and Eastern Europe
    National Bank of Poland Economic Institute Bureau of World Economy and European Economic Integration Analysis of economic situation in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe July 2011 2 Table of contents: Executive summary 5 Countries of Central and Eastern Europe 6 Bulgaria 12 Czech Republic 16 Estonia 22 Euro adoption impact on the inflation in Estonia 25 Lithuania 27 Latvia 32 Poland 37 Romania 42 Slovakia 47 Slovenia 52 Hungary 57 Annexes: Széll Kálmán Plan 63 Foreign currency loans in Central and Eastern Europe – a Hungarian approach 66 Statistical Annex 69 Prepared by: Marcin Grela Marcin Humanicki Marcin Kitala (Bureau of Public Finance, Institutions and Regulations, EI, NBP) Tomasz Michałek Wojciech Mroczek (coordination) Ewa Rakowska Approved by: Ewa Rzeszutek Małgorzata Golik (Bureau of Public Finance, Institutions and Regulations, EI, NBP) Jarosław Jakubik This report has been prepared for information purposes on the basis of various research sources independent from the National Bank of Poland. 3 General information on CEE countries Population GDP per capita Area GDP (km2) (km2) by nominal by purchasing thous. persons per km2 exchange rates power parity Bulgaria 110,879 7,564 68 36,034 4,700 10,600 Czech Republic 78,867 10,507 133 145,049 13,800 19,500 Estonia 45,227 1,340 30 14,501 10,800 15,900 Lithuania 65,300 3,329 51 27,410 8,300 14,200 Latvia 64,559 2,248 35 17,970 8,000 12,600 Poland 312,685 38,167 122 353,667 9,300 15,200 Romania 238,391 21,462 90 121,942 5,700 11,000 Slovakia 49,035 5,425 111 65,906 12,100 18,100
    [Show full text]
  • Programme Handbook 1
    Tartu, Estonia 8 - 10 August 2017 Programme handbook 1 Contents Programme ............................................................................................................................................. 2 Abstracts ................................................................................................................................................. 6 Invited speakers .................................................................................................................................. 6 Participants ....................................................................................................................................... 17 Practical information ............................................................................................................................ 38 Directions .............................................................................................................................................. 44 Contacts of local organizers .................................................................................................................. 46 Maps of Tartu ........................................................................................................................................ 47 Programme Monday, August 7th 16:00 – 20:00 Registration of participants Estonian Biocentre, Riia 23b 20:00 – 22:00 Welcome reception & BBQ Vilde Ja Vine restaurant, Vallikraavi 4 Tuesday, August 8th 08:45 – 09:35 Registration of participants Estonian Biocentre, Riia 23b 9:35
    [Show full text]
  • An Estimated Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium Model for Estonia
    Eesti Pank Bank of Estonia An Estimated Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium Model for Estonia Paolo Gelain and Dmitry Kulikov Working Paper Series 5/2009 The Working Paper is available on the Eesti Pank web site at: www.bankofestonia.info/pub/en/dokumendid/publikatsioonid/seeriad/uuringud/ For information about subscription call: +372 668 0998; Fax: +372 668 0954 e-mail: [email protected] ISBN 978-9949-404-80-3 ISSN 1406-7161 An Estimated Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium Model for Estonia Paolo Gelain and Dmitry Kulikov∗ Abstract This paper presents an estimated open economy dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model for Estonia. The model is designed to high- light the main driving forces behind the Estonian business cycle and to understand how euro area economic shocks and its monetary policy af- fect the small open economy of Estonia. The model described in this paper is a two-area DSGE model incorporating New Keynesian features such as nominal price and wage rigidity, variable capital utilization, in- vestment adjustment costs, as well as other typical features — both for the domestic and euro area part of the model. It is rich in structural shocks such as technology, consumption preference, mark-up, etc. The model is estimated by Bayesian techniques using a quarterly data sam- ple that covers main macroeconomic aggregates of Estonia and the euro area. The ultimate goal of the new model is for it to be used in simulation exercises, policy advice and forecasting at the Bank of Estonia. JEL Code: E4, E5 Keywords: monatary policy, New Keynesian models, small open economy, Bayesian statistical inference Author’s e-mail address: [email protected] The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of Eesti Pank.
    [Show full text]
  • Sõjateadlane 15/2020 | Laiapindne Riigikaitse Ja Olukorrateadlikkus
    SÕJATEADLANE Estonian Journal of Military Studies 15 / 2020 CULTURAL, PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES SERIES Volume I Religion and Politics in Multicultural Europe: Perspectives and Challenges Edited by Alar Kilp and Andres Saumets Volume II Extremism Within and Around Us Edited by Alar Kilp and Andres Saumets Volume III The Law of Armed Conflict: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives Edited by Rain Liivoja and Andres Saumets Volume IV Sõna sõjast ja sõda sõnast. Tekste ja tõlgendusi War of Words, Words of War. Texts and Interpretations Edited by Andres Saumets and Vladimir Sazonov Volume V Operatsioon „Iraagi vabadus“: kümme aastat hiljem Operation “Iraqi Freedom”: Ten Years Later Edited by Andres Saumets, Holger Mölder and René Värk Volume VI The Crisis in Ukraine and Information Operations of the Russian Federation Edited by Vladimir Sazonov, Andres Saumets and Holger Mölder Volume VII Kümme aastat Vene-Georgia 2008. aasta sõjast: peegeldusi hübriidsõjast ja Venemaa poliiti- listest ambitsioonidest Ten Years after the Russo-Georgian War of 2008: Reflections on Hybrid Warfare and Russia's Political Ambitions Edited by Karl Salum and Andres Saumets Volume VIII Zapad 2017 infosõja vaatepunktist Zapad 2017 from the Perspective of Information Warfare Edited by Andreas Ventsel, Vladimir Sazonov and Andres Saumets Volume IX Russia, Syria and the West: From the Aftermath of the Arab Spring in the Middle East to Radicalization and Immigration Issues in Europe Edited by Vladimir Sazonov, Illimar Ploom and Andres Saumets Volume X Laiapindne riigikaitse
    [Show full text]
  • Estonia Consolidated Annual Report of the State for 2019
    ESTONIA CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL REPORT OF THE STATE FOR 2019 1. Management report The management report comprises the general economic indicators of the state (section 1.1) and the financial indicators of public sector and general government (section 1.2). Information on the general government staff indicators, the achieve- ment of the goals set in the government sector action plans and the state’s internal control systems is available in the Esto- nian version of the report. 1.1 General economic indicators of the state Over the past few years, the Estonian economy has % Annual domestic demand growth been in a good state in terms of employment, revenue 60 and export capacity. Economic growth has been a pos- 40 itive surprise, averaging 5% over the past three years. Regardless of the rapid growth, the Estonian economy 20 should not experience any material internal imbal- ances. 0 In 2019, actual economic growth slowed to 4.3%, and -20 7.7% at current prices. Business confidence indicators -40 weakened mid last year in both Estonia and partnering 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019 countries. Behind this trend was the slowing interna- Annual private consumption growth tional trade and the deepening uncertainty in eco- nomic policy, which inevitably trickled through to our Source: Statistics Estonia Annual investment growth economy. As a result of a decrease in foreign demand, export growth experienced a downturn in the final % Annual GDP growth quarter. The main domestic demand components expe- 15 rienced slower growth in the second half of the year. In the fourth quarter, economic growth due to net taxes 10 on products was a strong 3.9%, whereas the value- added at whole economy level only increased by 2.6%.
    [Show full text]
  • R&D in Estonia 1996-1999 Fin Printreal.Indd
    Research and Development Council RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN ESTONIA 1996 - 1999 STRUCTURE AND TRENDS Tallinn 2001 Secretariat of the Research and Development Council State Chancellery The Stenbock House,3 Rahukohtu St. 15161 Tallinn, ESTONIA http://www.tan.ee Fax: (372) 693 5704 Phone: (372) 693 5702 [email protected] Compilers: Dr. Rein Kaarli Dr. Tiit Laasberg Translator: Juta Reiska Language editor: Eda Tammelo ISBN 9985-50-327-9 I have persistently kept asking what Estonia’s Nokia could be. This has even become part of local folklore. Yet the conclusion drawn by many Estonians, including several prominent gures, that the Presi- dent is looking for one single product like Pippi Longstocking once looked for Spunk - is somewhat unexpected. As a matter of fact, the President of Estonia is not supposed to seek Estonia’s Nokia. I am seeking it for you. For those who are too lazy to do it themselves. However, it is every Estonian proprietor’s task to look for their own so-called Nokias, and nd at least six of them annually. The key factor to innovation is man. I have used this example of Nokia to draw attention to the product that Estonia does not make in large quantities - this is world-class labour force. A study loan taken with the intention to get proper education and training would consti- tute a safe investment in any case, for the borrowers will, sooner or later, rise to such high and well-paid positions that returning the loan is as easy as anything. Having adopted Western-type business culture and well functioning marketing mechanisms, it is now primarily in the eld of intellectual property that Estonia, in order to survive in the third round, needs to be able to create surplus value.
    [Show full text]
  • Strategic Activity Plan of Enterprise Estonia For
    Strategic Activity Plan of Enterprise Estonia for 2019–2023 Building a successful Estonia. The Republic of Estonia celebrated its centenary in 2018 and, since the re-independence of Estonia, the economy of the country has been developed further for nearly 30 years now. Estonian economy has undergone a huge leap since the restoration of independence. Driving forces in that development have been open economy and minimal state intervention. Accession to the European Economic Area and to the European Union provided a significant boost for economic growth. Over the past three decades, economic policies of developed countries have undergone a number of changes: the open globalisation policies, which prevailed at the end of the last century, are currently combined and being replaced by protectionism. Thanks to its openness, Estonia has benefited greatly from the globalised economy – our economy is flexible, as well as responsive. However, as the principles of world economy are changing, we should be ready for changes as well. Natural resources, which once served as the basis for wealth, are losing their importance. Countries are competing with one another, both for capital and labour force. In fact, competition between countries has never been as fierce as it is today – they offer both tax incentives and direct aid – anything to attract new economic beacons to the country. Like all other countries, the Republic of Estonia also influences the behaviour of enterprises. This applies to everyone equally in the form of mandatory taxes and regulations established for everyone, but also selectively when financial support is directed to certain types of entrepreneurship or activities.
    [Show full text]
  • Development Trends in the National Economy Sectors in the Baltic States in 2005-2015
    ECONOMICS DOI:10.22616/rrd.23.2017.056 DEVELOPMENT TRENDS IN THE NATIONAL ECONOMY SECTORS IN THE BALTIC STATES IN 2005-2015 Liana Supe, Inguna Jurgelane Riga Technical University, Latvia [email protected]; [email protected] Abstract The processes of globalization in the world economy have a significant impact on different processes and development in all national economy sectors. Innovations and technological development have also increased the competition between economic operators. Faster growth is also observed in service industries. The global economic downturn affected the Baltic States whose development suffered a sharp decline at the end of 2008 and in 2009. A sudden drop in the demand in export markets, as well as the decline in the demand in the domestic markets due to low purchasing power contributed to the deterioration of the economic situation in the Baltic States, particularly in the manufacturing and construction sectors. Starting from 2011, the economic indicators in the Baltic States have been growing and here the export of goods and services can be mentioned as the main contributor to the development of the economy in the Baltic States. Significant changes in the development of economic sectors started in 2013 due to Russia’s economic problems. During the period 2005 – 2015, most of the value added to the overall structure of the national economy in all three Baltic States was brought by trade and manufacturing. The aim of the research is to analyse the national economy sectors in the Baltic States during the period 2005 – 2015 in order to determine processes that affected the development of economy sectors in each of the countries, or the opposite – the recession, thus finding the most competitive sector of the national economy of the Baltic States.
    [Show full text]
  • Shadow Economy - Is an Enterprise University of Sussex, Department of Economics, Falmer, Brighton, Survey a Preferable Approach? UK
    PANOECONOMICUS, 2019, Vol. 66, Issue 5, pp. 589-610 UDC 339.192 Recevied: 08 November 2016; Accepted: 17 September 2017. https://doi.org/10.2298/PAN161108022R Original scientific paper Barry Reilly Shadow Economy - Is an Enterprise University of Sussex, Department of Economics, Falmer, Brighton, Survey a Preferable Approach? UK [email protected] Summary: The direct approaches to measuring the shadow economy have not Gorana Krstić been used exten-sively until very recently. A relatively simple method has been Corresponding author developed (Talis J. Putninš and Arnis Sauka 2015) using an income approach University of Belgrade, Faculty of Economics, to measuring GDP and exploiting survey data on unreported employee wages Department of Statistics and and the business income generated by enterprises, which was provided by own- Mathematics, Belgrade, ers/managers of such enterprises. This paper illustrates the advantages of this Serbia approach over indirect ones through applying it to two EU candidate countries. [email protected] This is first done by measuring the size of the shadow economy and then by providing estimates of the factors which cause enterprises to engage in shadow economic activity. Estimates of these factors suggest a number of policy ap- proaches that could reduce the size of the shadow economy in countries similar to the ones we have used here. This research is supported by the Key words: Shadow economy, Unreported income, Enterprises and entrepre- UNDP Montenegro RFP 29/14 Research on Informal neurs. Economy/Informal Employment Within “2015 National Human Development Report” ref. no. 16824. JEL: E01, E25, E26. In spite of decades of research, there is still no consensus among researchers on what are the most reliable approaches for measuring a shadow economy.
    [Show full text]
  • Investment Guide Estonia at a Glance
    investment guide estonia at a glance OFFICIAL NAME: Republic of Estonia CALLING CODE: +372 CAPITAL CITY: Tallinn TIME ZONE: UTC+2 estonia. OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Estonian UNITS OF MEASURE: Metric system TOTAL AREA: 45,339 sq. km. ELECTRICITY: 220 V POPULATION: 1,323,820 (2018) DRIVING: On the right NATIONAL FLAG: EMERGENCY NUMBER: 112 for digital and CURRENCY: Euro (€) GOVERNMENT: Parliamentary democracy MEMBERSHIP: EU, NATO, OECD, WTO, knowledge- Eurozone, Schengen Area, Digital 9 Iceland based Norvegian sea Finland Norway business Sweden Baltic sea Russia Latvia North sea Denmark Lithuania World-class human capital, unique digital Ireland Belarus United Kingdom capabilities, and a competitive business Netherlands Poland Germany Belgium environment make Estonia a smart, agile location Luxembourg Czech republic Ukraine for businesses with global ambitions. Slovakia Austria Moldova Hungary France Switzerland Slovenia Romania Croatia Bosnia & herz. Serbia Black sea Italy Kosovo Bulgaria Andorra Monte- Caspian sea Negro Macedonia Albania Spain Greece Portugal Turkey Malta Cyprus Mediterranean sea Extensive IT usage across the a competitive and economy creates significant efficiencies, scalability, transparent economy and real-time data Estonia consistently ranks as one of the most open, Estonian GDP by Economic Activity (2018) competitive and transparent economies in the world. This success is due to a commitment to low red tape, the rule of 9.9 15.4 Manufacturing law, and significant investment in infrastructure and human 2.6 capital. This creates an environment that allows solutions and 3.8 Wholesale and retail trade services to be researched, developed, and delivered globally. 3.9 Real estate activities 11.7 4.1 Construction Estonia’s R&D ecosystem and digital OECD TAX capabilities make it an innovation #1 COMPETITIVENESS 4.7 Transportation and storage hotspot.
    [Show full text]