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Impact of Remittances on Economic Growth: Empirical Evidence from South-East European Countries

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  • Bucevska Vesna

    (Full Professor, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Faculty of Economics-Skopje, bul. Goce Delcev 9V, 1000 Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia)

Abstract

South-East European (SEE) countries are experiencing high emigration, resulting in a significant increase in remittance inflows, exceeding FDI flows. Today the most important challenge facing SEE countries is how to grow at a higher speed to achieve faster economic convergence with the EU. The objective of the paper is to empirically examine the relevance of remittances as a factor of economic growth, using quarterly balanced panel data set of six SEE countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, the Republic of North Macedonia, and Serbia (SEE6) over 2008q1-2020q2. Panel regression with the fixed-effects model is employed to account for potential cross-section heterogeneity. This study provides original econometric evidence that remittances have a significant positive impact on economic growth in our panel of SEE6. Those results will be useful both to scholars and policymakers in the process of the creation of policies that will direct remittances into investments in the economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Bucevska Vesna, 2022. "Impact of Remittances on Economic Growth: Empirical Evidence from South-East European Countries," South East European Journal of Economics and Business, Sciendo, vol. 17(1), pages 79-94, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:seejeb:v:17:y:2022:i:1:p:79-94:n:3
    DOI: 10.2478/jeb-2022-0006
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Remittances; economic growth; panel data; South-East European countries;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • F24 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Remittances
    • O47 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence
    • O52 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Europe

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