{
  "title": "Constraints on Trade in the MENA region",
  "publication": "IMF Working Papers, February 1, 2010",
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  "summary": "In this paper we estimate gravity models to see whether trade volumes of countries in the MENA region are significantly lower than what would be expected given their economic, cultural and geographical characteristics.",
  "sections": [
    {
      "heading": "Research question and methodology",
      "content": "- Objective: Estimate gravity models to assess whether trade volumes of countries in the MENA region are significantly lower than expected given their economic, cultural and geographical characteristics.\n- Method:\n  - Estimate standard gravity models.\n  - \"Augment\" the standard gravity model with relevant variables from the World Bank's Business Enterprise surveys."
    },
    {
      "heading": "Key empirical findings",
      "content": "- Standard gravity-model variables:\n  - Cannot explain a significant part of MENA's trade performance, particularly on exports.\n- Augmented model results:\n  - Variables from the World Bank's Business Enterprise surveys are important in explaining MENA underperformance in trade.\n  - In particular, transport constraints and inefficiencies in customs clearance processes are identified as important explanatory factors for the region's trade underperformance."
    },
    {
      "heading": "Thematic conclusions",
      "content": "- Exports: Especially affected — standard model variables do not account for the observed export shortfall.\n- Trade barriers highlighted: Transport constraints and customs clearance inefficiencies emerge as major impediments to trade performance in the MENA region."
    },
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      "content": "- Authors: Hirut Wolde, Rina Bhattacharya\n- Date: February 1, 2010\n- Pages: 19\n- Series: Working Paper No. 2010/031\n- DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781451962604.001\n- ISBN: 9781451962604\n- ISSN: 1018-5941\n\nSource: \"Constraints on Trade in the MENA region\", Hirut Wolde and Rina Bhattacharya, IMF Working Papers, February 1, 2010.\n\n---\n\n Content in this bundle\n\n- Gravity Model: Explanation of Variables\n  - Gravity Model: Explanation of Variables (Markdown version){rel=\"alternate\" type=\"text/markdown\"}\n  - Gravity Model: Explanation of Variables (PDF){rel=\"external\" type=\"application/pdf\"}\n\n---\n\nSource: https://www.imf.org/en/publications/wp/issues/2016/12/31/constraints-on-trade-in-the-mena-region-23487"
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    "Authors: Hirut Wolde, Rina Bhattacharya",
    "Published: February 1, 2010",
    "Series: IMF Working Papers",
    "DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781451962604.001",
    "Objective: Estimate gravity models to assess whether trade volumes of countries in the MENA region are significantly lower than expected given their economic, cultural and geographical characteristics.",
    "Method:",
    "Standard gravity-model variables:",
    "Augmented model results:",
    "Exports: Especially affected — standard model variables do not account for the observed export shortfall.",
    "Trade barriers highlighted: Transport constraints and customs clearance inefficiencies emerge as major impediments to trade performance in the MENA region.",
    "Authors: Hirut Wolde, Rina Bhattacharya",
    "Date: February 1, 2010",
    "Pages: 19",
    "Series: Working Paper No. 2010/031",
    "DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781451962604.001",
    "ISBN: 9781451962604",
    "ISSN: 1018-5941",
    "**Gravity Model: Explanation of Variables**"
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