Simulation the Effect of Targeted Subsidieson Economic Growth, Inflation and Unemployment in Iran Using Stochastic Optimal Control Algorithm (OPTCON2)

Abstract

Subsidies are known to distort prices, the optimal allocation of resources and economic growth and induce budget deficit and increase social costs, resulting in irreparable adverse effects on the economy. On the other hand implemetation of subsidy reform programs can have a widespread impact on economic aggregates A clearly specified trend in trajectory of macroeconomic variables is expected to better enable policy makers in planning for appropriate fiscal and monetary policy pakeges. The task of determining the best policy package, consistent with macroeconomic goals and constraints presents a genuine Stochastic Optimal Control problem. Solution for such a problem requires a practical statistical algorithm. The OPTCON2 method employed in this study seems to be a suitable method. First, the econometric relationships among the macroeconomic variables of the model is estimated using 2SLS statistical method. Subsquently an OPTCON2 prorgram is specified using C # Language in a visual studio. Simulation program for subsidies during the 5th development plan indicates a decline in economic growth for the first year, followed by a small rise in growth rate during the subsequent years. The findings also indicates an initial rise in inflation followed with a decline in later periods. It was also indicated that the unemployment rate is likely to rise in the beginning, leveling down to a given rate later.

Keywords

• stochastic optimal control algorithm
• economic growth
• inflation
• unemployment rate