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How transport infrastructures enhance trade between Africa and the EU: Evidence of the Spanish-Moroccan case

Author

Listed:
  • Fatima El Khatabi
  • Carlos Llano
  • Inmaculada Martinez-Zarzoso

Abstract

This paper builds a novel dataset of bilateral trade flows between provinces of a developed and a developing country, which is used to estimate the effect of transport infrastructure on exports and imports. The dataset combines trade and freight statistics to obtain sectoral trade flows between Spain and Morocco for the period from 2010 to 2018, for 15 sectors and three transport modes. Methodologically, a gravity model of trade is estimated using a new two-stage procedure, which permits identifying the effects of Moroccan infrastructure investments on trade. Our results highlight the relevance of improving infrastructure to facilitate trade in developing countries, underlying differences between transport modes. The findings are of special relevance for EU-MENA trade relations providing also interesting insights for other countries whose colonial ties reversed in hostilities and political differences.

Suggested Citation

  • Fatima El Khatabi & Carlos Llano & Inmaculada Martinez-Zarzoso, 2025. "How transport infrastructures enhance trade between Africa and the EU: Evidence of the Spanish-Moroccan case," The Journal of International Trade & Economic Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(7), pages 1679-1708, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jitecd:v:34:y:2025:i:7:p:1679-1708
    DOI: 10.1080/09638199.2025.2555912
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