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Financial Development, Trade Openness and Economic Growth in North African Countries

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  • Nahed Zghidi
  • Zouheir Abida

Abstract

This contribution investigates the causal interactions between financial development, trade openness and economic growth in a panel of 3 countries of North Africa (Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt) over the period 1980-2012. Using system Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) panel data analysis, we find strong evidence of a positive link between trade openness and economic growth. We also find evidence that trade openness appear to be working as a complement to financial development and, moreover, that the effect of trade openness is more pronounced in the presence of the financial development variable. The policy implications of this study appeared clear. Improvement efforts need to be driven by local-level reforms to ensure the development of domestic financial system in order to take advantage of trade liberalization.

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  • Nahed Zghidi & Zouheir Abida, 2014. "Financial Development, Trade Openness and Economic Growth in North African Countries," Romanian Economic Journal, Department of International Business and Economics from the Academy of Economic Studies Bucharest, vol. 17(53), pages 91-120, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:rej:journl:v:17:y:2014:i:53:p:91-120
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    4. Inoue, Takeshi, 2018. "Financial development, remittances, and poverty reduction: Empirical evidence from a macroeconomic viewpoint," Journal of Economics and Business, Elsevier, vol. 96(C), pages 59-68.
    5. James Temitope Dada & Taiwo Akinlo, 2023. "Remittances-Finance-Growth Trilogy: Do Remittance And Financial Development Complement Or Substitute Each Other To Affect Growth In Nigeria?," Economic Annals, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Belgrade, vol. 68(236), pages 105-138, January –.
    6. Temitayo Olumide Olaniyan, 2019. "Interactive Effects of Remittances and Financial Sector Development on Economic Growth in Nigeria," Remittances Review, Remittances Review, vol. 4(1), pages 19-39, May.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    financial development; trade openness; economic growth; Dynamic panel data analysis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations
    • F43 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Economic Growth of Open Economies
    • O16 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Financial Markets; Saving and Capital Investment; Corporate Finance and Governance

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