International economic relations. Forms of international economic relations

In our time, there are rarely countries that would not depend on world development in economic, political and cultural terms. In particular, the world economy and economic relations at the global level affect the economy of each state separately. The only difference lies in the extent to which one or another power is able to take timely measures to ensure that its own foreign exchange market and labor market do not suffer from external influence.

What is the world economy?

The world (or international) economy is understood as a global economic system that has many levels and unites economies different countries peace. This unification takes place on the basis of the international division of labor with the help of a system where interethnic economic relations play the main role.

More briefly world economy defined as a set of farms different peoples, as well as non-state structures that are united by international relations.

The concept of an international economy appeared due to the fact that an international division of labor arose. Experts note that this entailed, on the one hand, the distribution of production between different powers, and on the other, the unification of specializations. At the same time, economic relations between countries have been and remain to this day.

The concept of economic relations

In a general sense, economic relations are understood as such relations between people that develop in the process of exchange and consumption of goods, production, distribution of goods, etc. If we are talking about international economic relations, then here "hand in hand" go international economics and international economic relations (IER).

As for the latter, both transnational corporations, international entities of the world economy, as well as entire countries, regions or regional groupings can be involved in the process of relations in the economic sphere.

MEO forms

Economists have identified the following main forms of international economic relations:

international cooperation in the production of goods;
exchange of scientific and technical achievements;
international specialization of production and works of a scientific and technical nature;
trading internationally;
relations between states, among which the most important are monetary, information, credit;
cooperation of the powers in regard to the resolution global problems.

International economic relations are dependent on the international division of labor (MRT). Proceeding from this, the main forms and directions of MEO are determined by the fact that this division of labor is gradually moving to a new level and acquiring a new type.

Types of international division of labor

It should be noted that there is a significant difference between different types of MRI. So, the general type implies trade and exchange of goods of manufacturing and extractive industries between specific states. If the MRI is of a private nature, then this will lead to the fact that trade in ready-made products from various industries will prevail. Separately, the division of labor of a single type is singled out: it means specialization at certain stages of production and stages of the technological cycle. Thus, conditions are created for a more dynamic growth of trade volumes and the exchange of products at the world level.

Monetary and credit relations

The leader among the various forms of international relations in the field of economics is considered to be monetary and financial or monetary and credit relations. What are they? These are relations of a financial nature that develop between subjects of different powers. In other words, these economic relations may arise between residents and non-residents.

There are also cases when monetary and credit relations develop between subjects of law of the same state. Here we are talking about currency values, to which the right of ownership is transferred. In addition, other property rights may be associated with foreign exchange transactions.

international trade

On this moment almost all countries of the world take part in foreign trade, that is, they are directly related to the system of international commodity-money relations. In simple words, international trade is understood as the totality of foreign trade of different states.

For the first time, Italian economists started talking about trade at the world level in the 12th century. The development of trade is the most important factor in the development of the entire world economy. There is an opinion that participation in trade provides its participants with a lot of advantages. One of the most important advantages is that international competition arises, which leads to the need to improve enterprises and products.

IEO problems

According to experts, today the following main problems of economic relations can be distinguished:

creation of international transport corridors;
creation of free economic zones;
problems of the Internet economy.

An international transport corridor is understood as a transport system that concentrates on general directions different kinds transport, including road, rail, sea, pipeline, and telecommunications. Such transport corridors contribute to the more active development of world economic and international economic relations.

Free economic zones (or special economic zones) are certain territories that have preferential economic conditions for local and foreign entrepreneurs. Such zones are created with the aim of developing the state as a whole or a specific territory separately, where foreign trade, social, general economic and regional tasks are solved.

As for the Internet economy, new economic relations are developing here, which are aimed at solving many global problems. Here, questions are raised about the security of these business entities in the global Internet space, about the possibility of facilitating trade and the exchange of products.

Economic relations between various organizational forms of human communities (tribe, clan, nation, state, etc.) have a long history. Initially taking the form of single transactions, these connections, due to the constant increase in their number, the connection of more and more actors to them, the expansion of the range of objects that become the subject international trade(capital, labor, services, scientific knowledge, inventions, information, historical sites, etc.) have gradually turned into a complex set of relationships that affect the interests of all countries of the world.

International economic relations are an element of an extremely complex and highly mobile system, which is the world economy. It is known that the world economy as an integral system was formed by the end of the 19th century. This was preceded by a number of conditions:

* the end of the era of geographical discoveries, when almost all "white spots" disappeared from the face of the Earth and geographical maps;
* securing all territories of the Earth for any national-state formation;
* recognition of this formation by the community of other states.

Only after the completion of the process of formation of the world economy, it became possible to consider international economic relations as a single and interconnected set. The ongoing changes in the correlation and alignment of the main economic forces in the world are inevitably reflected in the content, structure and role of international economic relations.

International economic relations are the basis of the construction of the world economy (Figure 2.1), its mechanism and link between national economies. Without international economic relations, the world economy cannot function. The level of international economic relations and the degree of their development predetermine the state of the entire world economic system.

Main forms of international economic cooperation

The most ancient form of IER is international trade (Figure 2.2).

Figure 2.1 The concept of international trade

In the modern world, five main forms of IER have been formed. (Figure 2.3)

1. International trade - international exchange of goods, results of intellectual work, services and labor force. In other words, MT is the exchange of factors of production at the international level. MT is the leading form of MEO.
2. International production cooperation (IPC) is a process that implements international industrial relations For joint activities based on MT.
3. Investment activity - an activity based on international financing in order to achieve a social effect and profit from partners.
4. Services are useful activities that are not embodied in a material product by a foreign consumer.
5. International monetary and financial and credit relations - a kind of economic relations associated with the functioning of world money and securities.

Figure 2.3 Main forms of international economic relations

Thanks to international economic relations (IER), countries can exchange experience, production, labor, scientific, technical, financial and information resources to improve political and economic ties.

Structure and forms

IN modern conditions international relations may arise between national economies in the following forms:

cooperation aimed at solving issues related to global problems of a global scale;
trade relations (currency, credit and financial, etc.);
exchange of scientific achievements and joint development of scientific projects;
cooperation in the field of construction, engineering design, etc.;
joint release of goods;
international (auto, river/sea, air) tourism;
development of credit and financial institutions and TNCs.

International economic relations have a close relationship with world politics, as they affect state interests. The object of the IEO is the world economy, which includes the national economies of sovereign states, connected by commodity-money and other relations. As subjects of international economic ties may perform:

TNCs are transnational corporations (concerns, trusts) engaged in international activities through subsidiaries(branches);
state;
transnational government organizations;
business unions;
international organizations;
individuals.

Development conditions

Currently, the defining trends in the development of the MEO are:

International economic integration. Combining commodity markets, capital and labor resources. Unification of national economies, absence of discrimination between national economic entities;
Globalization. Trade liberalization, removal of investment barriers, formation of duty-free trade zones, cross-border credit/currency transactions. Globalization covers all areas of the economy and public life - the political, cultural, social and economic spheres.
Transnationalization. Expansion of activities, increased activity of transnational corporations and banks, transition to a new, qualitative level of internationalization of production.

TNCs are the basis of globalization, an independent economic entity for which foreign economic activity is more important than domestic operations.

The essence and foundations of international economic RELATIONS.
Objects and subjects of international economic relations in market conditions.
Principles and features of the MER mechanism.

1. The essence and foundations of international economic relations

International economic relations - a system of economic relations between the national economies of individual countries, the relevant business entities /1/. International Economic Relations is a special field of activity based on the international division of labor. International economic relations find practical expression in the exchange between countries representing their enterprises, firms and organizations with products (goods and services) of international trade, scientific, technical, industrial, investment, monetary, financial and credit, information international relations, movement between them labor resources.

MEO objectively follow from the process of division of labor, the international specialization of production and science, and the intentionalization of economic life. The formation and development of international economic relations are determined by the strengthening of the interconnection and interdependence of the economies of individual countries. The deepening and development of the international division of labor, and hence the IER, depend on natural (natural, geographic, demographic, etc.) and acquired (production, technological) factors, as well as social, national, ethnic, political, and moral and legal conditions. The above practical components and forms of IER cover a number of areas of the world economic activity:

international trade;
international specialization of production and scientific and technical work;
exchange of scientific and technical results;
information, monetary and financial and credit relations between countries;
capital flow and work force;
activities of international economic organizations, economic cooperation in solving global problems.

Opportunities, prospects and role of international economic relations, the significance and correlation of their main forms and directions are determined by the deepening of the international division of labor, the transition to its higher types. General type The international division of labor predetermines intersectoral international exchange, in particular, goods of the extractive and manufacturing industries of individual countries. The private division of labor leads to the development and predominance of international trade in finished products of various industries and industries, including intra-industry.

Finally, a single type of international division of labor means specialization at individual stages of production (assemblies, parts, semi-finished cards, etc.) and stages of the technological cycle (repartitions), as well as within the framework of scientific, technical, design and technological developments and even investment process. This creates the prerequisites for accelerated growth in the capacity of the international market and sustainable expansion of international economic relations.

From the foregoing, we can conclude that, in principle, international economic relations, which are the field and result of the application of labor, capital, natural and other resources, are one of the areas of the market economy with its main features. As is known, based on the principle of freedom of choice for sellers and buyers, market relations in this area also imply:

the plurality of their objects and subjects;
the determining influence of supply and demand;
their relationship with prices with the necessary flexibility and mobility of the latter;
competition.

This is complemented by the freedom of enterprise. The very fact of international exchange, the exclusive space for its implementation, which goes beyond the borders of individual countries, creates more than sufficient prerequisites for the multiplicity of objects. The same can be said about the plurality of subjects - their number in the market is increasing: along with national entrepreneurs and firms, foreign, international companies and organizations participate in the IER, state structures various countries.

Without changing the mechanism of supply and demand, IEOs expand its boundaries, the volumes covered and the range of exchange. The system acquires new quantitative and qualitative characteristics market prices. And, of course, competition conditions are getting tougher. The following can be named as the main features of the MEO as a sphere of a developed market economy.

First, as in any national economy, the world economy and international economic relations are based on the division of labor and exchange, only not intranational, but international, assuming that the production and (or) consumption of individual countries are to some extent interconnected.

Secondly, the participants in the IEO are economically isolated, in particular, in a special form of national economic isolation, which objectively determines the commodity-money nature of relations.

Thirdly, in the totality of world economic exchange relations, the IEO more fully operate the laws of demand, supply and free pricing, which are the cornerstones of any market mechanism.

Fourth, just like national markets, the global IER market is characterized by competition between goods and services, sellers and buyers. This competition is tougher due to the large volumes and range of goods and services circulating on the market. It is supplemented by the movement of factors of production (capital, labor) between countries.

Fifth, one of the main forms of international economic relations - international trade - is a set of cross-country product flows. Under these conditions, world commodity markets are being formed, where operations for the sale and purchase of goods are carried out, which are of a stable, systematic nature.

Sixth, the exchange of goods and services, the international movement of factors of production is mediated by the movement of money, the settlement system, commodity loans, and currency relations. Along with commodity markets, there is a global financial market, international monetary and financial system. The movement of capital, foreign investment, long-term international, government loans give global financial system completed look.

Country differences in the availability of labor resources, in the opportunities and conditions of employment of the population determine the emergence and development of interstate labor flows, which leads to the formation of the world labor market. Increasing role information support, intellectual property, the widespread introduction of a system of patenting and licensing of inventions and discoveries, interstate agreements on copyright protection create the prerequisites for the formation of the world information market.

Seventh, international economic organizations assume their own infrastructure, special institutions. They are represented by international economic, financial and credit institutions and organizations as a global (WTO, International Chamber of Commerce, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, etc.), and regional significance (European Commission, EBRD, etc.).

Eighth, international economic organizations are subject to monopolization. It is possible through the concentration of production and marketing by private business structures (for example, the creation and operation of TNCs), and as a result of international, interstate agreements and alliances that unite the largest countries and firms that supply certain types of products (for example, the International Oil Cartel - IOC, OPEC ).

Finally, international economic organizations are not free from international, regional, government interference and regulation. It manifests itself in interstate economic, trade, credit, currency, customs and payment agreements and unions. In addition, the results of regulation externally economic activity in each individual country also affect the state and development of the IER.

All of the above fundamentally characterizes the content and field of action of modern international economic relations, their features.

2. Objects and subjects of international economic relations in market conditions

Objects and subjects of international economic relations, in principle, do not differ from those within the framework of the national market economy. New quantitative and qualitative moments characterize their multiplicity. The objects of international economic relations are primarily goods and services circulating in international trade, the volume of which currently exceeds 8 trillion. dollars /2/. Important feature here - the stability and scale of commodity flows. The exchange of goods and services is characterized by large volumes, breadth of assortment, differentiation in quality, and, as a rule, greater competitiveness.

The subject of the international economic relations are direct links in the field of specialization and cooperation in the field of production and scientific and technical work. Of particular importance is the movement of factors of production between countries, although, as noted, there are a number of obstacles to this in world economic relations. This includes, first of all, the movement of capital in various forms, the international use of financial and credit resources, the international migration of labor, the exchange of intellectual property.

As a special object, one should highlight the multilateral and diverse cooperation of countries and international organizations in the field of ecology and in solving other problems of a global nature. More features in the subjects of the international economic relations. But even here, as in a market environment as a whole, relations between partners from different countries are primarily connections at the level of private firms, enterprises, and individual entrepreneurs, which form the basis of world economic contacts, with the necessary freedom of choice. In practice, for most countries with a market economy, this means that business entities do not require any special conditions and permits to conduct foreign economic activity, for them there is no fundamental difference between the domestic and foreign markets.

Nevertheless, their marketing task becomes more complicated: they need constant study of the external market, the current and future situation on it, comparative assessments of domestic and international conditions and partners. The role and scope of macroeconomic analysis is growing significantly. At the same time, in many cases, state structures act as subjects of the international economic relations: directly governmental and other government bodies various levels(central, regional, municipal), as well as state enterprises and organizations. Such options for state participation are different:

direct implementation of operations by central ministries and departments;
regional and municipal authorities, including targeted purchases and sales of products on the foreign market;
granting powers to individual enterprises, firms, commercial and banking structures, including private ones, to carry out specific operations, to carry out certain foreign economic transactions;
guaranteeing export-import operations. Finally, international organizations, in particular the UN system, act as subjects of the IER, especially when providing financial and credit assistance, investing funds in individual projects. Large-scale activities in the field of international economic relations are also carried out by transnational corporations and international associations. The role of these MEO subjects is all the more significant in the market of capital, financial, credit and foreign exchange resources.

3. Principles and features of the MEO mechanism

The market for its participants is a set of direct mutually beneficial agreements with equal partners aimed at meeting the needs for goods and services, providing the necessary resources, factors of production and allowing them to improve their own economic situation, make a profit. The fact that the parties are nationals or legal entities other countries fundamentally changes little for the subjects of international economic relations. When positioning on the world market, the same principles and rules apply that are suitable for the domestic market /3/.

The basis of the activities of the participants of the IER and the mechanism of the latter is the marketing approach. A potential exporter, in particular, needs to know exactly the needs, inclinations and preferences of buyers, the state and prospects of the market and its respective segments in the country where he intends to export his products. For this, as already noted, it is not enough to analyze only the sales market itself, it is necessary to study, evaluate and forecast the macroeconomic environment (economic, climatic, environmental, socio-cultural, moral and legal, religious-ethnic, psychological and political) conditions.

Reliable information about the demographic, geographic, socio-psychological characteristics of their foreign buyers makes it possible to more or less accurately predict the possible demand for exported products, the amount of foreign exchange earnings, and the profitability of the export operation. This applies to fairly large and stable transactions, long-term contracts, and is not always applied to single, individual contracts and minor batches of external supplies. Even in this case, however, minimal information is needed. Is it not something the "shuttle traders" do, offering a tempting and cheap goods foreign and domestic buyers, often not of the highest quality.

Similar work is necessary for imports, although it is somewhat simpler and smaller in volume, since it mainly covers the commercial part of the operation and concerns the domestic market.

In order to conduct an effective export operation that guarantees the intended foreign exchange earnings within the stipulated time, the supplier must work out various options for the movement of goods: methods and routes of transportation, the possibility of using the infrastructure of the country and the importing company, the feasibility of involving intermediaries, and, if necessary, creating their own sales network of trade missions, distribution , dealer structures, stores, warehouses, etc.

To promote goods on the foreign market or imported, a flexible combination of advertising methods, the development of individual sales, financial incentives for intermediaries and own sellers will be required. Price policy, the system of payments and commercial credit should create conditions that are attractive especially for foreign, as well as for domestic clientele purchasing foreign goods and services.

Undoubtedly, the most important component of foreign economic activity, the more necessary in the field of international economic relations, is the analysis of competition. It should be specially emphasized that in the IEO, in the international market, special importance is attached to the requirements for the exclusion unfair competition and prevention of abuse of a dominant position in the market. This is all the more important since competition in international trade is much tougher than in the domestic market.

To reliably identify and assess the competitiveness of products and the positions of competitors, to determine their comparative advantages, entering a foreign market should be preceded by a study of competitors' products, including taking into account consumer tastes and preferences of this market segment, as well as overall picture activities of competing firms (the so-called firm analysis): economic and financial position, image, goals in a particular market, features production activities and management, applied marketing methods, possible strategic decisions. The issue of using non-price competition options deserves special attention. The task of positioning, mastering a market niche is extremely relevant in the face of fierce international competition.

The MEO mechanism requires the provision of competition arising from the analysis marketing policy in terms of planning future goods and services, i.e. developing and implementing the concept of modernizing today's and creating new products, based on indicators life cycle in its international application. This applies to the actual product, its packaging, trademark, service conditions, etc.

The inclusion of a firm in world economic relations must be accompanied by an economically favorable combination of resources used for export production. The competitiveness of an enterprise in the international economic relations can be ensured with other equal conditions, in the presence of advantages in the availability and cheapness of resources, production technologies, information tools.

Since enterprises - consumers of resources and the population of any country also purchase imported products, an important issue is a reasonable combination in production and in the consumer market of domestic and imported products and resources. Issues of international industrial and scientific-technical, investment cooperation, attraction of foreign labor force, financial and credit funds need to be more carefully studied.

At the same time, it should be taken into account that the world economy, international economic relations have specific features that are reflected in the characteristics and features of the functioning of the mechanism of world economic relations. First of all, what has already been noted is the volume of exchange, which exceeds the size of the internal trade turnover of any country. Participates in the IEO a large number of subjects, not comparable with the domestic market.

Commodity and brand competition is very large-scale and tougher. As a result, the aggregate power of the impact of the world market on individual national markets is very significant (of course, with sufficient openness of the domestic economy). As a result, the international division of labor has an increasing impact on the internal division of labor in countries, which changes the structure of national economies, the volume and composition of domestic barter transactions.

It can be argued that the market mechanism of international economic relations is more perfect in terms of economic feasibility and objectivity of the pricing process, the formation and use of other management tools. It is no coincidence that therefore the prices of world commodity markets act as one of the criteria in the formation of prices in the national economy, they are an indicator in determining the expediency of participation in the international division of labor, IEO.

The peculiarities of international economic relations as a sphere of market relations, including their mechanism, also follow from other essential points mentioned in part above.

Firstly, these are the spatial scales of the world economy, which determine the significant remoteness of sellers and buyers, and hence the increased role of the transport problem and the associated costs. The latter can become an obstacle to the establishment of foreign economic relations, the conclusion of specific transactions.

Secondly, less mobility, that is, the mobility of resources, which primarily concerns land and natural resources, in particular minerals, tied to location. The mobility of labor resources is also limited, although they are more mobile, especially now. State intervention (migration rules, prohibitions on the sale of land to foreigners, restrictions on foreign investment and the activities of foreign firms, protectionism in foreign trade) often affects the decrease in resource mobility.

Thirdly, the use of national currencies in the international exchange complicates the calculations for foreign economic transactions, requires the presence foreign exchange market. And the latter involves the organization of currency control, the introduction of a particular system of currency regulation.

Fourthly, international standardization and certification of products are becoming an important, independent factor, the fulfillment of the requirements of which is associated with additional costs, sometimes quite significant.

These circumstances determine the peculiarities of the market mechanism of international economic relations, encourage their participants to make adjustments to the principles and methods of their market policy.

On the one hand, the emerging opportunities to enter a foreign market pose the task of adapting the entire marketing mix to the conditions and characteristics of the economic environment in the partner country. At the same time, standard and simple tricks and decisions that ensure clear and controlled implementation of the accepted options.

On the other hand, the seller, and even more so the manufacturer, faces the task of finding and implementing the best organizational form its foreign economic activity, taking into account, along with the conditions and factors inherent in the domestic market, the peculiarities of the international economic relations noted above. In addition, the risk factor associated with the degree of economic, social and political instability in the partner country cannot be ignored. The significance of the risk factor increases even more with deep forms of international economic relations (creation and operation of foreign and joint ventures, investment projects, industrial and scientific and technical specialization and cooperation, etc.)

Finally, another significant aspect of the MEO mechanism is the information environment. Even in trade and economic transactions, participants need reliable and comparable information to justify and make a decision, to ensure reliable control over its implementation and results. This is all the more necessary when establishing long-term industrial and scientific and technical ties, organizing joint activities, implementing investment projects, and choosing partner firms.

The latter involves the use of information with a certain set of data, with their methodological unity and homogeneity, by enterprises and firms entering the IER. International unification of accounting and reporting will solve this practical task. An important role will also be played by the unification of macroeconomic indicators, national and international statistics.

Summary

International economic relations - the sphere of market relations between countries, due to the international division of labor and the economic isolation of partners. The peculiarities of international economic relations are related to their specificity as international ones and stem from the particularly large size of the economic space, the limited mobility of production factors and certain types of resources, and the actions of special economic instruments. The objects of the IEO are goods and services, as well as resources involved in international exchange, and the subjects are private firms and individual entrepreneurs; state structures; management bodies of different levels, enterprises and institutions; international organizations, institutions and corporations. The MEO mechanism is dictated by the market nature of relations and does not fundamentally differ from the one operating within countries. It involves a marketing approach. The features of this mechanism are determined by the specifics of the International Economic Relations (international nature of relations, territorial remoteness, the use of special monetary and financial instruments).

Basic concepts

MEO is a system of economic relations between the economies of different countries, based on the international division of labor.

IEO OBJECTS - goods, services and material, monetary and labor resources that are the subject of international exchange.

IEO SUBJECTS are economically isolated parties that carry out international exchange.

MEO MECHANISM - a system of economic instruments, organizational measures and institutions that ensure the implementation of the MEO.

Literature

Brief foreign economic dictionary-reference book. M., MO., 1996, p. 102.
Foreign Economic Bulletin., 1996, N 1.
Market rules., M., MO., 1993.

Chapter 3. External factors of economic growth. Role, system of indicators and assessments

Place and role of international economic relations in the development of the national economy.
Indicators characterizing the role of the external economic factor.
Economic interdependence. National and international economic security

1. Place and role of international economic relations in the development of the national economy

Now, perhaps, no one will argue that any country can develop normally without foreign economic relations. As you know, the main problem of human society is the possible complete satisfaction of the needs of people with limited resources. Meanwhile, the unlimited growth of needs in the course of the historical process is an indisputable fact and the most general law. In most countries it is impossible due to conditions, resources from the positions economic feasibility do everything and much. And at the same time, the range of requests of the population is growing rapidly, and the number of material and spiritual goods and various services that we need is also increasing.

Any normal satisfaction of them is practically impossible without a constant, wide exchange between regions, countries, without the IER. And it is no longer possible today to produce and create many goods and services without international pooling of efforts, funds and resources due to the often enormous costs and the need to use a wide variety of resources. There is no doubt that in a small country with limited natural resources (and some often do not exist at all), human and financial resources, relying only on them, it is unbelievable to satisfy even the necessary modern needs of the population.

To prove this, no reference is needed to the great Smith, Ricardo, and, if you like, Marx, whose theoretical views on the problem were discussed in Chapter 1. The fact is self-evident. The economic meaning of the exchange between peoples, IEO and foreign trade in particular, the science explained convincingly. The international division of labor, resulting from it, the IEO, allow each country to reduce production costs and save resources. Well, why, we say, following the scientists, in the same Russia own production bananas? Although it is possible to create plantations with an artificial climate, etc. Is it necessary to grow beets in Brazil? Such a question now for anyone is a misunderstanding. But not so long ago, in our country, and then in China, the slogan of "reliance on one's own strength" was proclaimed. It is better to do what we can do cheaper and better, having everything we need, using favorable conditions. Life has given an unequivocal answer - it is necessary to use the advantages and benefits of international exchange, only in this way it is possible to ensure the satisfaction of a variety of needs, steadily expanding the range of goods and services offered to the population. And this applies to both small and large countries. Hence the role and place of the IEO in the development of the economies of individual countries.

Over the decade (1986-1995) the value of international trade increased by about 1.6 times. In terms of pace, this (annual growth of 8-10% in 1994-1996) significantly exceeded the growth in world production. According to the WTO in 1995, world exports commercial services was estimated at 1170 billion dollars, and goods - at 4890 billion dollars.

Among the exported goods, the first place (11%) belongs to computers, leaving products behind Agriculture, cars and chemicals /1/. The international movement of capital has increased even more rapidly in recent years. In 1995 alone, foreign direct investment increased by almost 40%, reaching $315 billion /2/. These data testify to the scale of international exchange.

In our time, any, even the largest and richest country, international exchange, foreign trade, everything that we refer to the IEO, are vital to ensure a modest, and even more normal, everyday human existence. A better life, as we in Russia have now experienced in practice, is simply impossible without it. Of course, we are not talking about sneakers and diapers, although they are not superfluous. Use favorable conditions, more fully include all factors and resources in order to do more, more diverse, better and more reliable for a person.

To develop and enrich the needs of everyone and at the same time not to squander the senseless natural, material, spiritual and intellectual wealth, not to "reinvent the wheel" - this is the meaning, significance and prospects of the International Economic Relations, foreign trade, their objective role in the development, provision of material and spiritual wealth of an individual, country, world community.

The aforementioned "theories" and practical attempts to "rely on one's own strength": to do everything ourselves, not to depend on anyone - the bright future of communism can be brought closer by growing corn in the North, and bananas in the Moscow region! Wouldn't it be better, more reliable, more logical and cheaper to harvest high-quality wheat in Russia, exchange it through foreign trade for Latin American bananas and coffee? Less expenses and more handy, and there are more various goods. This is how one can schematically explain the essence and significance of foreign trade, international economic relations in the modern world. This is the logical economic and practical basis of world economic relations, international economic relations in the present and future.

2. Indicators characterizing the role of the external economic factor

As proven by the International Economic Relations, foreign trade is necessary for any country. But how to more or less accurately assess their significance for the national economy, how to quantify the role of the external factor in the national economy? In statistics, including international statistics, this is done using a relative indicator of comparing the volume of a country's foreign trade with its domestic production: the volume of foreign trade / the volume of domestic production.

Comparison of the relevant data in comparable value terms (single currency) makes it possible to judge the significance of the external economic factor for the national economy, its dynamics over time. certain period. It is clear that for small countries (there are fewer resources, the variety of natural conditions is limited), this indicator is higher - much is imported from abroad in exchange for export, for large countries it is lower - their own production is more diverse and significant. So, in the early 90s. in Belgium, for example, the indicated value reached 190%, Switzerland and Hungary - 160%, Bulgaria - 110%, etc. In developed medium-sized countries of Europe: Germany, France, Great Britain - 50-70%; major countries ah of the world: USA, India, Brazil, Canada, China - 20-30%, etc. In the former USSR in the 50-60s. this figure was 4-6%, in 1985-1987. it reached 14%. IN Lately in Russia it is close to 22-25%, and according to data for 1996. exceeded 30% (although this is due to a significant drop in domestic production in 1991-1996).

Today, the calculation of this indicator is simple - the volume of foreign trade (in dollars) for the corresponding period refers to the value of GDP, also converted from domestic prices into dollars. All these data are available in official statistics published, in particular, in Russia by Goskomstat. A characteristic feature of modern economic development is the increasing role of the external economic factor for all countries: over the past 30 years, this indicator for most countries has almost doubled.

According to experts, in the first decade of the next century, the ratio of foreign trade turnover to domestic production of large countries, including Russia, will reach 35-40%. But this means that every fifth or sixth product purchased by the population, enterprises and firms of the country will be imported. At the same time, it should be noted that this indicator does not give an idea of the impact of the entire set of international economic relations on the national economy, because it takes into account only foreign trade. It is no coincidence that experts from international economic organizations and other specialists are now working to supplement it. In particular, it is meant to supplement the numerator of this indicator with the amount of foreign investment and the volume of national production carried out using foreign licenses and know-how.

It is clear that in this way the assessment of the role of the external factor will be refined and somewhat, and in some places even significantly, increased. The development of foreign trade, its importance for the economy as a whole, individual industries and regions are also assessed using a number of other indicators adopted in international statistics and research. This is, in particular, the value of foreign trade turnover (and exports and imports separately) per capita.

On average in the world in 1996 it was close to 400 dollars, in the USA - 4800, Germany - 11000, Japan - 10200, France - 8700, England - 7200, etc. In Russia in the same year, the volume of foreign trade per inhabitant was 1,004 dollars, of which 598 dollars for exports, and 406 dollars for imports. Russian figures are much lower than in the countries mentioned above.

The advantage of this indicator is that it can be calculated for individual regions of the country, sectors of the economy, and even for specific enterprises and types of products. This makes it possible to take into account and compare the participation of regions, firms, industries in foreign economic relations, to identify reserves and prospects. The latter also applies to foreign trade activities, say, of the subjects of the Russian Federation - territories, regions, republics. For example, in such an industrially developed region as the Sverdlovsk region, including Yekaterinburg, the corresponding figure, calculated according to tentative statistics for 1995, was about $710 (including $395 for exports and $315 for imports), i.e. e. was about 30% lower than the average for Russia.

It is customary to talk about this: there are large reserves. Although it should be taken into account that this quantitative indicators behind which it is necessary to see the qualitative side: is it possible to achieve significantly more with a given structure of foreign trade (the share of goods and main commodity groups in foreign trade turnover), when, in particular, raw materials and energy carriers dominate in exports? Of course, the latter is also connected with the structure of the country's economy as a whole and its individual regions. The answer to this question is unequivocally negative: the possibilities for sustainable, long-term growth in the volume of Russian foreign trade are quite clearly limited by the irreproducibility of natural raw materials and energy resources, which account for 4/5 of Russia's exports. This, in turn, limits the amount of foreign currency that can be used for import purchases.

The situation is the same in many other countries where products of natural origin predominate in exports. Achieving large volumes of foreign trade turnover, expanding its range is not a one-time event, but the result of a consistent long-term economic strategy that requires large investments. But the focus on large-scale international exchange is win-win, because it allows you to expand the set and increase the amount of various consumer goods provided to the population and used in the national economy.

At the same time, opportunities are being created for tangible savings of resources (material, labor, investment, financial, intellectual). In the conditions of a market economy, the expanded commodity and geographical diversification of foreign economic relations also contains a positive incentive for increased competition, and hence the impact on economic and qualitative indicators goods and services, the formation of a full-fledged consumer demand. A similar indicator is applicable to assessing the role of international capital flows for countries as a whole, individual regions and industries.

The average per capita indicator of the movement of direct investment in 1996 was . about $135 with approximately the same distribution for inflows (66.7) and outflows (68.3), which were slightly larger. At the same time, the five largest industrial countries (USA, Germany, Japan, Great Britain and France) accounted for more than 2/3 of the total increase in the inflow of foreign direct investment, or almost $400 per capita in these countries, while in Russia it was less than $10 per person. It is not difficult to conclude that in the first case, the majority of direct investments from abroad were in the manufacturing industries, modern production in radio electronics, communications, and computer technology.

And in Russia, the overwhelming share of foreign direct investment in industry was in the fuel and energy complex /2/. Thus, here, in addition to general quantitative data, information on the geographical and branch structure outside investment.

Combination of internal and external factors economic growth, the role of foreign trade for individual industries on the scale of the national economy, regions, enterprises and firms from firms, as well as in the context of commodity groups, types of goods and services are reflected in the indicators of export and import quotas /3/. Export quota (Eq) - the ratio of exports and domestic production (in kind or comparable value). A sufficiently high export quota is a favorable indicator of the saturation of the national economy with relevant products, the competitiveness of domestic goods in the international market. Especially if it applies to finished products, highly processed products, high-tech services.

In developed industrial countries, the export quota for products of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, radio electronics, automotive, aerospace and other manufacturing industries reaches an average of 25-40%. The export quota for some industries and goods in Russia is very high: for crude oil - 25-30%, natural gas-18-20, timber -10-15%. But in this case, these indicators speak more about the shortcomings of our economy - after all, these are non-reproducible resources, moreover, raw materials and fuel of the lowest degree of processing. Focusing on close entry into the world economy with such a structure of exports is hardly promising.

The task is to consistently increase the export quota of manufacturing industries using modern technology. Enterprises producing armaments and aerospace equipment have such opportunities. The inclusion in international exchange, the role of the latter in meeting the diverse needs of the population, the saturation of the market is evidenced by a statistical indicator - the import quota (Iqv), i.e. the ratio of import volume and internal resources(the sum of domestic production and imports) in natural or comparable value terms: Ikv = I/Int.pr + I.

In any country, there are many such goods that are completely imported (in Russia, for example, coffee, pineapples, bananas, etc.) and even more of those that supplement domestic production, some of them very significantly. Today, in almost all countries, the population practically feels the importance of imports - many of the goods they purchase are imported from other countries. For example, in Belgium, every four out of five cans of beer sold in a store are imported.

And in Russia today, the situation is similar, primarily in consumer goods, food and industrial, but to a large extent in machinery and equipment. These two commodity groups account for the vast majority (almost 4/5) of the country's imports, which in 1995 amounted to almost 11.5% in relation to GDP. With regard to Russia, it can be stated that this indicator indicates obvious positive points, characteristic of other countries: expanding the range, increasing the number of goods and services offered, greater choice for consumers, stimulating the effect of competition.

But there are also negatives - a reduction in domestic production due to its initial lack of competitiveness, the impact of an immoderate increase in imports on price dynamics. Finally, at a certain stage, there is a significant and unjustified dependence of certain sectors of the market, the economy as a whole, on imports, a sharp reduction and termination of which, under exceptional circumstances, can lead to catastrophic consequences. For large countries, this situation is hardly acceptable.

It is impossible not to take into account the known limits of the growth of imports, determined by foreign exchange earnings from exports, and the impossibility of an unlimited growth of external debt. For Russia, this would also mean, given the current structure of foreign trade, a disproportionate increase in the export of resource goods. This aspect should be taken into account in foreign trade policy similar countries. Like foreign trade, indicators of quotas for the inflow and outflow of foreign investment are calculated: in general, by industry and region; types - direct, portfolio; forms - public, private, international. This makes it possible to assess their role and place in comparison with domestic investment.

Finally, most of the indicators considered can be used to study and evaluate international labor migration as total, specific, share. Their differentiation is substantiated: for the whole country, regions, industries, taking into account professions, ages, and qualifications of the migrating labor force.

Special attention should be paid to the indicators of the share of imported products in the domestic trade turnover, in particular, for consumer goods. Accounting for it is of great economic and social importance, and should be taken into account from the standpoint of ensuring independence and preventing external economic and political pressure. So, according to press estimates, in 1994-1995. imports accounted for about 1/3 of the turnover of consumer goods in Russia, and in major cities this share reached 50-60%. For such a country, the indicated value of this indicator is unfavorable. It reflects a sharp decline in domestic production, unreasonable flooding of the market with not always good-quality goods from unreliable suppliers, and can be extremely dangerous in the future. Systematic accounting of these indicators, and first of all, on foreign trade, foreign investment in general for the main industries, regions and product groups allows us to focus on a better balance of foreign economic exchange, ensuring its greater benefits, improving the socio-economic climate, foreign economic activity and economic development in general. . This will create Better conditions for the active participation of the country in world economic relations in the future. This, of course, cannot but affect the entire system of international economic relations as a whole.

3. Economic interdependence. National and international economic security

The development and deepening of the international division of labor, the scope and role of international economic relations put the problems of interdependence of countries on a practical footing. Today it is extremely difficult, if impossible, to name a country in the world with complete economic independence. In fact, this is due to economic and political isolation. A more or less remote example of this kind was Albania. But this did not bring and could not bring anything good to its inhabitants, but only significantly reduced the possibilities of consumption, the standard of living, limited resource conditions and sources of development.

It is no coincidence that the rejection of such a course has become inevitable. AND given example only confirms the objective, independent of someone's wishes, the need for international exchange, IER, which was shown in the 1st chapter. In large countries, the desire for greater (but not complete) independence had (as in its time in the USSR, China and India) more reasonable given the availability of various resources, but even in this case it led to a narrowing of consumption, more dictated by political reasons. In short, full economic independence is a distant and unreliable past or a myth.

At the same time, many, and especially developing countries, oppose their dependence in the case of the export of a single or several primary products, as well as when one country acts as a partner (buyer and supplier). Examples of this kind can be cited in a number of countries. Latin America, Africa, which were often monocultural exporters (citrus fruits, coffee, cane sugar, etc.).

Thus, according to research, 13 countries in Latin America and Africa have one product or one group of products (coffee, cocoa, sugar, cotton, iron ore, metal ores, etc.) accounted for 56 to 90% of all exports in the late 80s. /4/. In most cases, the main trading partners of such countries are developed industrial countries, where their products are mainly exported. At the same time, in some countries (for example, 4 countries in Africa and Mexico, from 44 to 86% of the export market was accounted for by one country (USA, Great Britain, Japan, France or Saudi Arabia). There is only one way out - diversification, if possible, of both exports and imports.

A long-term strategy of protectionism is unlikely to be fruitful. A factor in reducing the risk of economic dependence and its consequences in modern conditions is the strengthening of the relationship between the economies of partner countries, when they are not interested in monopoly dominance, and the violation of stable ties means losses for each of the parties.

This fits well into the general thesis about the advantages and benefits of the international division of labor and exchange. At the same time, international economic relations should fully serve the diversification and stable functioning of national economies, providing conditions for mutual stimulation. Thus, we are approaching a modern interpretation of the principle of national and international economic security. The first is the creation and maintenance at the national level of the necessary and sufficient conditions for the sustainable, progressive development of the country's economy, social, environmental, political, cultural, legal and psychological components.

This, of course, presupposes the formation and full use of foreign economic relations, international economic relations to solve this problem. International economic security consists in creating and ensuring the functioning of the system of world economic relations, including the international economic relations, as well as the interaction of national economies and their main blocks, ensuring sustainable economic development the world community as a whole, its regions and national economies of countries. It can be argued that the achievement of the goals of international and national economic security is possible only on the basis of further development and deepening the international division of labor, sustainable and large-scale world economic exchange and interaction of national economies, and the elimination of artificial obstacles along the way.

Summary

External economic factors play a certain role in the development of the national economy of any country. These include various forms of international economic relations. For small countries, their importance is very high, for large ones - less. The role of the external economic factor in the development of all countries is increasing.

To assess the role and place of foreign economic factors in general, in individual industries, regions and industries, a number of economic and statistical indicators are used:

the ratio of foreign trade turnover and domestic production;
the volume of foreign trade and foreign investment per capita;
export and import quotas and investment quotas.

The development of international economic relations leads to an increase in the interdependence of countries, changing the concepts of dependence and independence. The growth of world economic relations, the interaction of national economies, international economic relations determine the principles of national and international security.

Basic concepts

FOREIGN ECONOMIC FACTORS - various types and forms of world economic relations and international economic relations that affect the economic development of the country.

SYSTEM OF INDICATORS OF THE ROLE AND PLACE OF FOREIGN ECONOMIC FACTORS IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - a set of economic and statistical indicators that characterize the dynamics and structure of the country's international economic relations and their role in its economy.

ECONOMIC INTERDEPENDENCE OF COUNTRIES - a strong economic relationship of countries on the basis of international economic relations and the interaction of national economies.