Does FDI enhance provincial productivity? A panel data analysis in Vietnam

Huynh, Linh and Hoang, Hien and Tran, Hung (2020): Does FDI enhance provincial productivity? A panel data analysis in Vietnam. Published in: Journal of the Asia Pacific Economy , Vol. 28, No. 3 (August 2023): pp. 1174-1195.

Abstract

In the present study, we examine foreign direct investment (FDI)- induced productivity spillovers across 60 Vietnamese provinces from 2000 to 2016. Using a generalized method of moments technique, we find that foreign presence has a positive direct effect on total factor productivity (TFP). Furthermore, we discern a positive association between industrial linkages and productivity spillovers. All these findings remain robust to alternative model specifications. After accounting for the roles of human capital in the FDI–TFP nexus, we find absorptive capacity, as measured by human capital, to be a key factor influencing the nature of the foreign presence–productivity spillover nexus in the host province. Specifically, we observe that better human capital enables provinces to better internalize productivity spillovers from foreign presence. This result lends support to the view that human capital must surpass a critical threshold before the host can realize any productivity spillovers engendered by foreign presence.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Foreign direct investment; total factor productivity; human capital; industrial linkage
• Subjects: C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C3 - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models ; Multiple Variables > C33 - Panel Data Models ; Spatio-temporal Models; D - Microeconomics > D2 - Production and Organizations > D24 - Production ; Cost ; Capital ; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity ; Capacity; F - International Economics > F2 - International Factor Movements and International Business > F21 - International Investment ; Long-Term Capital Movements; F - International Economics > F2 - International Factor Movements and International Business > F23 - Multinational Firms ; International Business; F - International Economics > F6 - Economic Impacts of Globalization > F62 - Macroeconomic Impacts

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