Our main contribution in this paper consists of analyzing long-run interactions between structural policies and economic growth accounting for possible convergence. For this purpose, we are based on a sample of eight countries bordering the Mediterranean during the period 1975-2012. In fact, we used a technique based on panel ARDL methods which deals with the stationary series problem of different orders to monitor possible convergence in the longrun horizon. This method allows us to study potential long-term effects of structural economic policies on growth as well as capture the possible links between candidate variables and the trend of convergence in terms of per capita ABOUT THE AUTHORS
This paper examined the effect of external factors on economic growth in Tunisia. The economic analysis was carried out using recent quantitative technique of annual time series data from 1976 to 2017. Based on co-integration test with unknown structural breaks and ARDL bound testing we investigated importance of each factor in stimulating economic growth. Our results show that in the long-run FDI does not affect economic growth. Remittances and imports negatively affect economic growth. Exports promote economic growth such that a 1% increase stimulates economic activity by 0.702%. In the short term, our estimates emphasize a structural break in 1988 linked to the structural adjustment program. Likewise, FDI does not have a significant effect on economic growth while remittances and imports slow economic growth significantly at the conventional level. On the other hand, exports form a relevant engine of economic growth. Therefore, our conclusions imply that political decision-makers in Tunisia must guarantee certain level of training and infrastructure to ensure the gain of transfers of new technologies and experiences related to the FDI. Thus, Tunisia must encourage peoples living aboard to create new investment opportunities instead of just supporting their families for consumption. In addition, the state must develop financial system capable of transferring funds for investment in order to better benefit from remittances. Finally, the government must restrict import of consumer goods and allow import of equipment and machinery goods that promote production and economic growth.
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