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Learning to Export and Learning by Exporting: The Case of Ethiopian Manufacturing

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  • Eyerusalem Siba
  • Mulu Gebreeyesus

Abstract

In this study, we investigate the relationship between exporting and firm performance using a longer panel dataset of Ethiopian manufacturing firms for the period 1996−2009. We test two hypotheses regarding exporting: selection into exporting versus learning by exporting. According to the selection into exporting hypothesis, more productive firms self-select into exporting due to high entry costs. The learning by exporting hypothesis, on the other hand, emphasizes that firms learn after entering into the export market.

Suggested Citation

  • Eyerusalem Siba & Mulu Gebreeyesus, 2014. "Learning to Export and Learning by Exporting: The Case of Ethiopian Manufacturing," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2014-105, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
  • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2014-105
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    References listed on IDEAS

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