Bulgaria's export competitiveness before and after EU accession

Zhelev, Paskal and Tzanov, Tzvetomir (2012): Bulgaria's export competitiveness before and after EU accession. Published in: EAST-WEST Journal of ECONOMICS and BUSINESS , Vol. XV, No. 1&2 (2012): pp. 107-128.

Abstract

The paper gives an insight on Bulgaria’s export competitiveness in the framework of EU accession as the analysis covers the period 2002-2009. The results bear evidence of a low export performance in terms of diversification, factor intensity and technological sophistication and a significant lagging behind countries like Hungary, Slovakia, and in certain fields Romania. It is mostly attributed to low-grade sector specialization. The integration within the EU so far has not accelerated technological catch-up. For instance, recent evidence indicates unexpected export growth in traditional industries as Bulgaria overwhelmingly remains steadily anchored in low value-added competition on international markets.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Export competitiveness, Revealed comparative advantage, Export sophistication, European integration, Industry studies: Manufacturing
• Subjects: F - International Economics > F1 - Trade > F14 - Empirical Studies of Trade; F - International Economics > F1 - Trade > F15 - Economic Integration; L - Industrial Organization > L6 - Industry Studies: Manufacturing > L60 - General; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O1 - Economic Development > O14 - Industrialization ; Manufacturing and Service Industries ; Choice of Technology

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