Export-Led growth hypothesis: Evidence from Cote d’Ivoire

Abstract

This paper re-examine the export-led growth hypothesis for Cote d’Ivoire using the Bounds test analysis: unrestricted error correction model (UECM) for the period 1980-2007. Based on the model, exports, labor force and economic liberalization policies have stimulated economic growth, whereas, imports and exchange rate negatively impacted on economic growth. The results indicate that there exists a long-term relationship between economic growth and its determinants in our model. In addition, the VAR Granger/Block-exogeneity Wald tests reveal an evidence of bi-directional causality between exports and economic growth. Thus findings have important messages for policy makers given that export sector dominance in Cote d’Ivoire economy.Cote d’Ivoire, Economy growth, Cointegration, Causality test, Exports.