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Foreign direct investment and institutional environment: the impact of bilateral investment treaties

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  • Shi Li
  • Long Zhao
  • Hao Shen

Abstract

Institutional factors are a critical driving force for the rapid growth of outward foreign direct investment (FDI) in developing countries. This article attempts to explain how developing countries can take advantage of bilateral investment treaties (BITs) to reduce investment uncertainties caused by informal institutional distance and help domestic companies invest abroad. The results confirm that the cultural difference between China and a host country is negatively associated with the likelihood of FDI entry into the host country. BITs function as a substitute for the host country’s institutional environment by reducing investment uncertainties caused by cultural distance. Moreover, state-owned enterprises are less responsive to BITs in host countries than private enterprises, suggesting that private firms rely more on BITs to reduce their investment risks abroad.

Suggested Citation

  • Shi Li & Long Zhao & Hao Shen, 2021. "Foreign direct investment and institutional environment: the impact of bilateral investment treaties," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 53(30), pages 3535-3548, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:applec:v:53:y:2021:i:30:p:3535-3548
    DOI: 10.1080/00036846.2021.1883535
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    Cited by:

    1. Kumari, Khushboo & Ramachandran, Renjith, 2024. "The never-ending debate: Do FDI promote institutional change? Evidence from India and partner countries," Journal of Policy Modeling, Elsevier, vol. 46(2), pages 432-447.
    2. Hong, Seiwoong & Lee, Junyong & Oh, Frederick Dongchuhl & Shin, Donglim, 2023. "Religion and foreign direct investment," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(1).
    3. Li, Dongkun & Chen, Xiaohong & Wohlfarth, Paul, 2022. "Public participation, investment networks, and China's outward FDI: Evidence from 58 countries along the belt and road," Emerging Markets Review, Elsevier, vol. 51(PB).
    4. Peter Egger & Alain Pirotte & Catharine Titi, 2023. "International investment agreements and foreign direct investment: A survey," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 46(6), pages 1524-1565, June.
    5. Li, Shi & Urata, Shujiro & Zhao, Long, 2024. "Does the quality of bilateral investment treaties matter for outward foreign direct investment?," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 207-218.

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