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South Asian Free Trade Area: Implications for Bangladesh

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  • Hossain, Sharif M.

Abstract

The current thesis has analyzed the impact of South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) on Bangladesh in terms of export generation within member countries. A standard gravity model has been used to analyze Bangladesh’s export potential using cross section data. From the estimated result, it is observed that Bangladesh has huge export potential to South Asia in general, and India in particular. If SAFTA agreement is properly implemented then Bangladesh’s exports within this region would be much higher than the estimated potential export. In terms of imports, Bangladesh has exceeded its potential level. Therefore, the expected increase in import by Bangladesh from SAFTA member countries might not be as large as the expected increase in export. But it should be mentioned that the expected results can only be achieved by free trade in real sense i.e. goods and services can move freely across countries without any tariff and non-tariff barriers.

Suggested Citation

  • Hossain, Sharif M., 2009. "South Asian Free Trade Area: Implications for Bangladesh," MPRA Paper 18517, University Library of Munich, Germany.
  • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:18517
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Md. Abdur Rahman Forhad, 2014. "How many currencies in Saarc countries? a multivariate structural var approach," Journal of Developing Areas, Tennessee State University, College of Business, vol. 48(4), pages 265-286, October-D.
    2. Shahriar, Saleh & Qian, Lu & Kea, Sokvibol, 2018. "China's economic integration with the Greater Mekong Sub-region: An empirical analysis by a panel dynamic gravity model," Economics Discussion Papers 2018-44, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).
    3. Mili Roy & Md. Israt Rayhan, 2011. "Trade Flows of Bangladesh: A Gravity Model Approach," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 31(1), pages 950-959.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    SAFTA; Gravity Model; Bangladesh’s Export Potential;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F1 - International Economics - - Trade

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