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Constraints on Trade in the MENA region

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  • Hirut Wolde
  • Ms. Rina Bhattacharya

Abstract

In this paper we estimate gravity models to see whether trade volumes of countries in the MENA region are significantly lower than what would be expected given their economic, cultural and geographical characteristics. Our empirical results show that the variables used in standard gravity models cannot explain a significant part of MENA's trade performance, particularly on exports. We then go on to 'augment' the standard gravity model with relevant variables from the World Bank's Business Enterprise surveys. Our results further show that these variables, and in particular transport constraints and inefficiencies in customs clearance processes, are important in explaining the MENA region's underperformance in trade.

Suggested Citation

  • Hirut Wolde & Ms. Rina Bhattacharya, 2010. "Constraints on Trade in the MENA region," IMF Working Papers 2010/031, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2010/031
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    Cited by:

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    3. Christopoulos, Dimitris K. & McAdam, Peter, 2019. "Efficiency, Inefficiency, And The Mena Frontier," Macroeconomic Dynamics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 23(2), pages 489-521, March.
    4. Sekkat, Khalid, 2012. "Manufactured Exports and FDI in Southern Mediterranean Countries: Evolution, determinants and prospects," CEPS Papers 6849, Centre for European Policy Studies.
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    6. Mohamed Ismail Sabry, 2022. "Arab-German Trade and Institutions: The Effect of Good Governance on Arab Exports to Germany," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 34(5), pages 2400-2437, October.
    7. Dalila Chenaf-Nicet, 2020. "Dynamics of Structural Change in a Globalized World: What Is the Role Played by Institutions in the Case of Sub-Saharan African Countries?," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 32(4), pages 998-1037, September.
    8. Amr Hosny, 2018. "Firm Performance and their Perception of Political Instability in Egypt: Evidence from an Endogenous Treatment Regression Model," Journal of African Development, African Finance and Economic Association (AFEA), vol. 20(2), pages 61-68.
    9. Mario Mansour, 2015. "Tax Policy in MENA Countries: Looking Back and Forward," IMF Working Papers 2015/098, International Monetary Fund.
    10. Ahmad A. Al-Majali & Radi M. Adayleh, 2018. "International Competitiveness in Services in Some Middle East and North Africa Countries Using Gravity Model," International Review of Management and Marketing, Econjournals, vol. 8(2), pages 53-62.
    11. Jean-Pierre Chauffour & Bernard M., 2013. "Harnessing Trade Opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa," RSCAS Working Papers PP2013/07, European University Institute.
    12. Hosny Amr, 2017. "Political Stability, Firm Characteristics and Performance: Evidence from 6,083 Private Firms in the Middle East," Review of Middle East Economics and Finance, De Gruyter, vol. 13(1), pages 1-21, April.
    13. Houcine Boughanmi & Fatma Al-Saadi & Lokman Zaibet & Ibtisam Al Abri & Abdallah Akintola, 2021. "Trade in Intermediates and Agro-Food Value Chain Integration: The Case of the Arab Region," SAGE Open, , vol. 11(1), pages 21582440211, March.
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    15. Bektasoglu, Beyhan & Befus, Tanja & Brockmeier, Martina, 2012. "Moving towards EU or MENA? Comparing Alternative Turkish Foreign Policies Utilizing the GTAP framework," Conference papers 332279, Purdue University, Center for Global Trade Analysis, Global Trade Analysis Project.

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    Keywords

    WP; trade; Mena; customs; business;
    All these keywords.

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