Digital trade growth and mineral resources In developing countries: Implications for green recovery

Abstract

In this study, the influence of e-commerce market size and the consumption of mineral resources on sustainable growth in 15 developing Asian countries from 1995 to 2021 is evaluated using the Arellano-Bond dynamic Generalized Method of Moments (GMM). The findings indicate that a 1% increase in mineral consumption could result in a 0.25% reduction in green growth due to ecological harm. Similarly, a 1% growth in the urban population may lead to a 0.14% decline in green growth owing to heightened resource demand and emissions. Conversely, a 1% rise in unemployment rates might lead to a 0.29% decrease in green growth. On the other hand, a 1% increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) could correspond to a 0.15% increase in green growth, and a 1% growth in the e-commerce market could result in a 0.54% increase due to improved resource utilization. To encourage green growth, developing economies can enhance their digital trade infrastructure, enforce resource efficiency standards, provide incentives for renewable energy, foster progress in green technology, and establish markets for green finance.