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Another Look At The Determinants Of Foreign Direct Investment In Mena Countries: An Empirical Investigation

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Listed:
  • Sufian Eltayeb Mohamed

    (Department of Economic, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki)

  • Moise G. Sidiropoulos

    (Department of Economic, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki)

Abstract

The paper is concerned with the analysis of the main determinants of foreign direct investment in MENA countries. The estimation is run on the determinants of FDI in our sample which consist of 36 countries. 12 of these countries were in MENA countries and another 24 were the major recipients of FDI in their respective regions in developing countries. By employing a panel data methodology the study investigates whether the determinants of FDI are similar to the other FDI receiving developing countries. The study reveals that the key determinants of FDI inflows in MENA countries are the size of the host economy, the government size, natural resources and the institutional variables. The paper concludes that, countries that are receiving fewer foreign investments could make themselves more attractive to potential foreign investors. So, the policy makers in the MENA region should remove all barriers to trade, develop their financial system and build appropriate institutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Sufian Eltayeb Mohamed & Moise G. Sidiropoulos, 2010. "Another Look At The Determinants Of Foreign Direct Investment In Mena Countries: An Empirical Investigation," Journal of Economic Development, Chung-Ang Unviersity, Department of Economics, vol. 35(2), pages 75-95, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:jed:journl:v:35:y:2010:i:2:p:75-95
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Foreign Direct Investment; Panel Data; Fixed Effects; MENA;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • F21 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Investment; Long-Term Capital Movements
    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • F43 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Economic Growth of Open Economies

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