Central American Free Trade Agreement-Dominican Republic effects on foreign direct investment inflows, growth and distribution of the workforce : a system dynamics approach

Abstract

Author's OriginalAs regional trading arrangements have spread over the last decades, the study of the relation between trade agreements and foreign direct investment still presents difficulties due to the multi-dimensional character of such relationship. This paper presents a system dynamics model that attempts to shed new light on how some of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). Specifically we look at how the growth and distribution of the workforce in the non-agricultural (or industrial) and agricultural sector in six CAFTADR country members. The model results indicate that the provisions we considered tend to industrialize member countries as well as expand the agricultural sector in some countries in the long run. In addition, the model indicates that the treaty provisions drive up the GDP per capita for all member countries.Teekasap, P., Frutos, D., & Samii, M. (2010, June). CAFTA-DR effects on FDI inflows, growth and distribution of the workforce: a system dynamics approach. In proceedings from Academy of International Business (AIB) Conference 2010. Rio de Janero, Brazil