<p class="ber"><span lang="EN-GB">Foreign aid can have either a positive or a negative impact on economic growth. The role of foreign aid in supporting growth by completing domestic savings has been a subject of substantial argument. In this study, we explore the role of foreign aid, trade openness, investment, domestic savings and economic growth in eight MENA countries (Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Tunisia) for the period from 1977 to 2013. The estimation has been done using simultaneous equation model and dynamic panel data system analysis. A negative relationship is found between economic growth and foreign aid. The negative impact of foreign aid on economic growth could be due to presence of Dutch disease and bad policy environment. In addition, foreign aid seems to crowd out domestic savings rather than complementing it. The effects of trade openness and domestic investment on economic growth are significantly positive.</span></p>

Objective - This article aims to detect empirically, the nexus relationship between exports and government size in seven middle-income MENA countries, namely, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, and Tunisia, from 2000 to 2019. Methodology/Technique - This article employs two econometric techniques, simultaneous equations using OLS, and recent Dynamic Panel Data system analysis. Findings - Article results show a significant and robust negative association between exports and government size that indicates the need for government adoption of a series of policies for exports promotion strategies and likewise, openness can increase both variables. Growth and FDI increase exports and decrease government size, while ODA decreases exports and increases government size with Inflation-decreasing exports. Novelty - This article shines a light on the expanded government size capable of hindering growth and exports through the adoption of unfavourable policies to support the private sector, growth, and exports. Ultimately, this determines whether government policies are favourable or not. Type of Paper - Empirical Keywords: Exports, Government size, MENA, GMM DPD system. JEL Classification: F14, H11, C33

This article investigates the impact of remittances on economic growth, investment and domestic savings in selected MENA labor exporting countries. The estimations have been done in the presence of other international capital inflow, which are foreign aid and foreign direct investment. A multiple equations model estimated simultaneously using different techniques. We found a positive impact of remittances on both growth and investment, meanwhile a negative impact on domestic savings. Aid impacts negatively on both growth and savings where it finance consumption instead of investment and enhance rent seeking behavior. Government expenditure and FDI are important source of growth. We recommended that policies for encouraging final use of productive investment of remittances. In addition, enhancing more project of migrant in home country that may facilitate their trade with host countries. Finally, more efficient allocation of aid is requires, and attracting more FDI.

The study aims to measure the size of the shadow economy in Palestine during the period 1995-2012 by using multiple regression method. In addition, the study aims to assess the main reasons that affect the size of the shadow economy. By using latest data and multiple regression method, this paper finds that, the size of shadow economy is between (57%-88%) of GDP. The size of shadow economy in Palestine is very high due to the political situation, which are a result of the Israeli occupation since 1967 and the blockade of Gaza strip. The main factors that affect the size of the shadow economy in Palestine is the ownership of businesses, an increase of ownership by 1% to the total employment leads to an increase in the shadow economy size by 0.57%. Another important reason that affects the size of the shadow economy is the tax burden. According to our results, an increase of tax burden by 1% leads to an increase in the shadow economy size by 0.54%. Other factors that affect the size of shadow economy in Palestine like the unemployment rate; growth rate and intensity of regulations are included in our study and have a significant effect. The shadow economy in Palestine plays a negative role that decreases the tax collections and affects the governmental fiscal policies.

This article investigates the impact of remittances on economic growth, investment and domestic savings in selected MENA labor exporting countries. The estimations have been done in the presence of other international capital inflow, which are foreign aid and foreign direct investment. A multiple equations model estimated simultaneously using different techniques. We found a positive impact of remittances on both growth and investment, meanwhile a negative impact on domestic savings. Aid impacts negatively on both growth and savings where it finance consumption instead of investment and enhance rent seeking behavior. Government expenditure and FDI are important source of growth. We recommended that policies for encouraging final use of productive investment of remittances. In addition, enhancing more project of migrant in home country that may facilitate their trade with host countries. Finally, more efficient allocation of aid is requires, and attracting more FDI.