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An Analysis of Host Country Characteristics that Determine FDI in Developing Countries: Recent Panel Data Evidence

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  • Muhammad Tariq Majeed

    (Department of Economics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.)

  • Eatzaz Ahmad

    (Department of Economics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.)

Abstract

This paper analyzes a range of host country characteristics that determine foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to developing countries, using panel data on 72 countries for the period 1970-2008. Keeping in view the endogeneity problem of the chosen host country’s characteristics, the model is estimated using the General Method of Moments (GMM) technique. The analysis shows that gross domestic product (GDP), economic growth, and per capita income positively affect FDI—a result consistent with the market-seeking behavior of multinational corporations (MNCs). Furthermore, we find that remittances have a significant and positive impact on FDI. On the other hand, inflation and the balance of payments deficit have negative effects on FDI. MNCs are attracted to host countries that are outward looking and follow trade-promoting policies. This is confirmed by the positive effect of openness on FDI flows to developing countries. The study also finds that the effect of military expenditures on FDI is negative and significant. Finally, our analysis finds that the real exchange rate has a significantly negative impact on FDI.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhammad Tariq Majeed & Eatzaz Ahmad, 2009. "An Analysis of Host Country Characteristics that Determine FDI in Developing Countries: Recent Panel Data Evidence," Lahore Journal of Economics, Department of Economics, The Lahore School of Economics, vol. 14(2), pages 71-96, Jul-Dec.
    • Handle: RePEc:lje:journl:v:14:y:2009:i:2:p:71-96
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Majeed, M Tariq, 2011. "Trade, Poverty and Employment: Empirical Evidence from Pakistan," MPRA Paper 45077, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Ramírez-Alesón, Marisa & Fleta-Asín, Jorge, 2016. "Is the Importance of Location Factors Different Depending on the Degree of Development of the Country?," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 22(1), pages 29-43.
    3. Amal Farag, 2016. "Empirical Study on the Spillover Effect of FDI in the Egyptian and Polish Manufacturing Sector," International Journal of Business and Management, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 11(8), pages 1-97, July.
    4. Chibalamula, Haggai Chibale & Evans, Yeboah & Kachelo, Mukuka & Bamwesigye, Dastan, 2023. "The Effect of Foreign Direct Investment and Trade Openness on Economic Growth: Evidence from Five African Countries," AGRIS on-line Papers in Economics and Informatics, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Economics and Management, vol. 15(1), January.
    5. Yeboah Evans, 2024. "The relationship between foreign direct investment and trade openness: Evidence from six developed economies," Economic and Regional Studies / Studia Ekonomiczne i Regionalne, Sciendo, vol. 17(2), pages 222-250.
    6. Zohaib AKHTAR* & Hafiz Muhammad YASIN**, 2015. "Terrorism and Political Instability Implications for Foreign Direct Investment: A Case Study of South and South East Asian Countries," Pakistan Journal of Applied Economics, Applied Economics Research Centre, vol. 25(1), pages 67-98.
    7. Fotini Economou & Christis Hassapis & Nikolaos Philippas & Mike Tsionas, 2017. "Foreign Direct Investment Determinants in OECD and Developing Countries," Review of Development Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 21(3), pages 527-542, August.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Investment; panel data; developing countries; FDI; GMM.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F21 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Investment; Long-Term Capital Movements

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