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A Dynamic Spatiotemporal Analysis of Growth Convergence, Natural Disasters, and Climate Change in the MENA Region

Author

Listed:
  • Jamel Boukhatem

    (University of Tunis El-Manar)

  • Marouane Alaya

    (University of Tunis El-Manar)

Abstract

This study investigates economic growth convergence within the MENA region using a spatial econometric approach. The empirical findings reveal that environmental factors significantly influence the convergence process. Growth convergence appears to be shaped not only by each country’s idiosyncratic characteristics but also by environmental feedback effects from neighboring countries and the intensity of ecological spillovers. These spillovers are not limited to immediate (first-order) or contiguous neighbors; they also extend to higher-order neighbors and may ultimately impact the entire region.

Suggested Citation

  • Jamel Boukhatem & Marouane Alaya, 2025. "A Dynamic Spatiotemporal Analysis of Growth Convergence, Natural Disasters, and Climate Change in the MENA Region," Working Papers 1797, Economic Research Forum, revised 20 Oct 2025.
    • Handle: RePEc:erg:wpaper:1797
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    References listed on IDEAS

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