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Causal Interaction between FDI, Corruption and Environmental Quality in the MENA Region

Author

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  • Wajdi Bardi

    (Higher Institute of Management of Gabès, University of Gabes, City Riadh Zrig, Gabès 6072, Tunisia)

  • Mohamed Ali Hfaiedh

    (Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management of Mahdia, University of Monastir, Road Taher Hadded B.P 56, Monastir 5000, Tunisia)

Abstract

The present work analyzes the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) and corruption on the quality of the environment in the MENA region. Indeed, the magnitude of corruption and the quality of institutions are often cited as the main factors affecting the FDI inflow. Here, the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach was used to examine data on a group of MENA countries from 1990 to 2016. Our findings verify the Environmental Kuznets Curve. Furthermore, the empirical estimates approve the “pollution haven” hypothesis, which postulates that the polluting industrial activities of developed countries shift to developing countries which have less stringent environmental regulations. Based on the study findings, we recommend greater awareness of the harmful effects of corruption among political and economic actors.

Suggested Citation

  • Wajdi Bardi & Mohamed Ali Hfaiedh, 2021. "Causal Interaction between FDI, Corruption and Environmental Quality in the MENA Region," Economies, MDPI, vol. 9(1), pages 1-12, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jecomi:v:9:y:2021:i:1:p:14-:d:492560
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    Cited by:

    1. Bakari, Sayef, 2023. "The nexus between domestic investment and economic growth in MENA countries; Does unemployment matter?," MPRA Paper 118349, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Mohamed Ali Hfaiedh & Wajdi Bardi, 2021. "Does FDI and Corruption affect Environmental Quality in Tunisia?," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 11(4), pages 267-275.

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