Inequality, Trade Openness and Economic Growth in Asia

Majeed, Muhammad Tariq (2010): Inequality, Trade Openness and Economic Growth in Asia. Published in: Applied Econometrics and International Development , Vol. 10, No. 2 (2010): pp. 201-212.

Abstract

Using a panel data set for 18 Asian countries over the period 1970-2008, this study explores the relationship between economic growth and income inequality with special focus on the role of credit market imperfections in shaping the linkage. The study identifies credit market imperfections in developing countries as the likely reason for a positive relation between inequality and economic growth. Countries in the region with high financial intermediation tend to grow more as compare to low financial intermediation. Moreover, this paper finds evidence that more physical and human capital investment have statistically significant and positive effect on economic growth. Finally, openness to trade has been confirmed positive and significant in this region, thereby implying outward looking economies grow more.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: economic growth; inequality; credit market imperfection; panel data
• Subjects: E - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics > E2 - Consumption, Saving, Production, Investment, Labor Markets, and Informal Economy > E25 - Aggregate Factor Income Distribution; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O1 - Economic Development > O15 - Human Resources ; Human Development ; Income Distribution ; Migration; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O4 - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity > O40 - General; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O4 - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity > O47 - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth ; Aggregate Productivity ; Cross-Country Output Convergence

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