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Exports, imports, FDI and GDP in the Republic of Korea: 1980-2014

Author

Listed:
  • Julen Berasaluce

    (El Colegio de México)

  • José Romero

    (El Colegio de México)

Abstract

In this paper, we have set up an empirical analysis of the economic growth in Korea between 1980 and 2015, in order to identify the potential relationships between relevant variables. We chose to study Korea because is a country notable for applying industrial policies. We compare the export-led growth versus growth-driven exports hypotheses, we also compare the contribution of FDI to economic growth hypothesis versus its opposite, the idea that a rapid economic growth attracts FDI; we also compare other opposing hypotheses. A four-variable vector autoregression (VAR) is used to study the relationships between trade, foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth using quarterly data from 1980 to 2014. We estimated the Granger causality/Block exogeneity test, and calculated the Impulse Response Functions and Variance Decomposition. The main findings are that the three tests confirm the growth-driven exports hypothesis, as well as that FDI has no effect on economic growth or exports. We consider that these results for Korea have a significant relevance for Latin America and other regions that are searching for policies to enhance economic growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Julen Berasaluce & José Romero, 2015. "Exports, imports, FDI and GDP in the Republic of Korea: 1980-2014," Serie documentos de trabajo del Centro de Estudios Económicos 2015-06, El Colegio de México, Centro de Estudios Económicos.
  • Handle: RePEc:emx:ceedoc:2015-06
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    South Korea; VAR; industrial policy; exports; imports; FDI; growth;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C32 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes; State Space Models
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • F21 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Investment; Long-Term Capital Movements

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