A new report published by the OECD on July 5 – to coincide with Lithuania officially becoming the organisation’s newest member – says that Lithuania’s economy has grown faster than most other OECD economies over the past 10 years, that unemployment continues to fall and public finances have stabilised after a long period of deficits and rising debt.
However, the report also notes that productivity has remained subdued, slowing down the convergence process as income remains at around two-thirds of the OECD average. Income inequality is high and an ageing and declining population is putting pressure on the pension system.
The OECD Economic Survey of Lithuania praises the wide-reaching New Social Model reforms, implemented in 2017. It says they are expected to help reinvigorate inclusive growth, strengthen the social safety net and reinforce the sustainability of public finances.
Presenting the survey in Vilnius alongside Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis and Finance Minister Vilius Šapoka, OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría said: “The New Social Model showcases how an ambitious reform agenda can be brought through the political process. It is an impressive achievement. But big challenges still remain. Among them is population ageing, which is being intensified by many young Lithuanians leaving the country. Addressing emigration is a long-term endeavour which requires improving well-being and opportunities across the population.”
The survey says Lithuania needs to boost its relatively low productivity. The rate of productivity growth has fallen in recent years and there is a considerable mismatch between the skills of workers and the needs of businesses. It recommends strengthening work-based learning and to better adapt education to required skill levels.
To improve innovation, better coordination between business and research sectors is needed. Collaborative research should be privileged when allocating funds to public institutions.
Recent pension reforms, which form part of the New Social Model, have made the system more sustainable but the OECD says further steps are needed such as a rise in minimum pensions to reduce old-age poverty. Payments into pension funds should be made compulsory.
The survey also shows that Lithuania’s overall tax burden is below the OECD average and leans strongly toward labour and consumption while income and property are taxed relatively lightly. High labour taxes, especially for the low paid, are increasing informality. The tax mix could be made more inclusive by reducing social security contributions, particularly for the low paid. The base for property taxes should be broadened, and exemptions provided for low income households.
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