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Exploring the Channels and Impact of Debt on Economic Growth

Author

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  • Kashif Munir
  • Nisma Riffat Mehmood

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyse the effect of debt on economic growth as well as the channels, that is, investment, total factor productivity (TFP), interest rate and saving channel through which debt affects economic growth in South Asian countries. The study uses growth model based on conditional convergence and augments to include debt. Panel data of four South Asian countries from 1990 to 2013 at annual frequency are utilized and fixed effect model is used for estimation. The results of the study showed that inverted U-shaped relationship exists between debt and economic growth in South Asian countries. However, the most important and significant channel through which debt affects economic growth is private and public investment as well as TFP. Reducing debt accumulation alone will not rectify the problem unless the supplementary macroeconomic policies are made sound; therefore, there is a dire need to improve macroeconomic policies, good governance and elimination of structural distortions. JEL: C23, H6, O47

Suggested Citation

  • Kashif Munir & Nisma Riffat Mehmood, 2018. "Exploring the Channels and Impact of Debt on Economic Growth," South Asia Economic Journal, Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka, vol. 19(2), pages 171-191, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:soueco:v:19:y:2018:i:2:p:171-191
    DOI: 10.1177/1391561418794692
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    Cited by:

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Debt; economic growth; investment; total factor productivity; saving; South Asia;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • H6 - Public Economics - - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt
    • O47 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence

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