Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Export Relation in Turkey: 1991–2010

Abstract

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is an important element in development of economic power with regard to growth. FDI is an efficient tool to transfer new technologies, managerial skills, knowledge, capital flow and so on. On the other hand, exportation is another means to integrate the economy of a country with that of the world and secure economic growth as well enhancing economic advantages.

In this article, we attempt to research the relationship between FDI and export. The article begins with the definition of FDI theory, explains the motives fostering FDI, FDI and Turkey, FDI and export relation theoretically, and concludes with an empirical analysis of FDI and export in Turkey.

The empirical research investigates the relationship between export and FDI by using monthly time series data for the Turkish economy over the period from December 1991 to October 2010. The study applies of the following econometric techniques: unit root test, Johansen cointegration test, vector error correction model (VECM), and Granger causality test. The cointegration analysis suggests long-run equilibrium relationship between the examined variables. The results of the Granger causality test showed a causal relationship between these variables. The causality results are consistent with the results reported by the vector error correction model (VECM).