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Networks, human capital and export success: evidence from Bangladesh

Author

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  • Mohammad Tariful Bari

    (University of Wollongong, Faculty of Business)

  • Kankesu Jayanthakumaran

    (University of Wollongong, Faculty of Business)

Abstract

This research recognises firm heterogeneity theories and uses the extensive transaction-level data of customs to analyse the export success of Bangladesh at the level of annual activity of individual exporters during the period 2004–2011. It identifies the network of peer exporters as a significant factor that promotes export success in both direct and indirect channels. As well as the financial system reported in earlier studies, this study finds the formation of human capital as another influential candidate for an indirect channel. Our findings also suggest that at the exporter’s level, experience with destination and products, initial exports and the level of competency with products contribute significantly to the success of new exports. More importantly, for Bangladeshi exporters, the effect of destination experience is stronger than that of product experience.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohammad Tariful Bari & Kankesu Jayanthakumaran, 2021. "Networks, human capital and export success: evidence from Bangladesh," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 61(3), pages 1539-1566, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:empeco:v:61:y:2021:i:3:d:10.1007_s00181-020-01903-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s00181-020-01903-6
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