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Is the Middle East and North Africa Region Achieving Its Trade Potential?

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  • Mr. Ludvig Söderling

Abstract

This paper analyzes export performance in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) using a gravity model applied to panel data. It addresses two questions: (i) are there significant unexploited export markets for the MENA region?; and (ii) have integration efforts with the EU since the mid-1990s yielded positive results? The results suggest that several MENA countries are substantially underexploiting the United States as an export market. Moreover, the impact of integration efforts with the European Union has been moderate overall but significant in individual cases.

Suggested Citation

  • Mr. Ludvig Söderling, 2005. "Is the Middle East and North Africa Region Achieving Its Trade Potential?," IMF Working Papers 2005/090, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2005/090
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Nazia Gul & Hafiz M. Yasin, 2011. "The Trade Potential of Pakistan: An Application of the Gravity Model," Lahore Journal of Economics, Department of Economics, The Lahore School of Economics, vol. 16(1), pages 23-62, Jan-Jun.
    2. Emiliano Magrini & Pierluigi Montalbano & Silvia Nenci, 2017. "Are EU trade preferences really effective? An impact evaluation assessment of the Southern Mediterranean Countries’ case," International Review of Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 31(1), pages 126-144, January.
    3. María Dolores Parra Robles & Inmaculada Martínez-Zarzoso & Celestino Suárez Burguet, 2012. "The impact of FTAs on MENA trade," Ibero America Institute for Econ. Research (IAI) Discussion Papers 217, Ibero-America Institute for Economic Research.
    4. Cies´lik, Andrzej & Hagemejer, Jan, 2009. "Assessing the Impact of the EU-sponsored Trade Liberalization in the MENA Countries," Journal of Economic Integration, Center for Economic Integration, Sejong University, vol. 24, pages 343-368.
    5. Lawrence, Robert Z., 2006. "Recent US Free Trade Initiatives in the Middle East: Opportunities but No Guarantees," Working Paper Series rwp06-050, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government.
    6. Kula, Ferit & Aslan, Alper, 2008. "Turkiye’nin ortadogu’da ekonomik gelecegi: Turkiye’nin ihracat potansiyeline yonelik ampirik bir analiz," MPRA Paper 10688, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    7. Juan Ruiz & Josep M. Vilarrubia, 2007. "The wise use of dummies in gravity models: export potentials in the Euromed region," Working Papers 0720, Banco de España.
    8. Nahil SAQFALHAIT, 2012. "Jordan Wto Accession: A Quantitative Investigation And Estimation Of A Gravity Model 1994-2009," Applied Econometrics and International Development, Euro-American Association of Economic Development, vol. 12(2).

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