Does The Foreign Direct Investment Affect Economic Growth in Jordan in Light of Commercial Openness

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to examine the effect of foreign direct investment on economic growth in Jordan in light of the trade openness, during the period from 1999 to 2019. Theoretical Framework: This paper discusses how Jordan, as a developing country, has worked over the years to attract foreign investment by creating an environment of incentives, benefits, and legislation that encourages such investments; taking advantage of low local labor wages, high administrative costs, and great commercial openness. Design/methodology/approach: To achieve the objectives of the study and to construct the statistical model the study used analytical methodology. The following statistical methods were applied; Hausman, Wald Test, F-Test Statistic, Granger, Multicollinearity test, Normality Test, Lagrange Test, Multiplier Test, and Causality Test. Findings: After conducting the analysis tests, the results showed a statistically significant impact of open trade direct investment on economic growth, Moreover, findings showed a positive impact on the degree of economic growth, whenever the degree of trade openness and the flow of foreign investment increase. Research, Practical & Social implications: The independent variables in the study model were measured by the ratio of foreign direct investment from the nominal GDP. The variable (the degree of trade openness) was expressed as the ratio of exports and imports to trade volume. The generalized Method of Moments (GMM) was used in this study. Originality/value: In light of Jordan's extensive commercial openness, This investigation looked at the impact of FDI on economic expansion. The study's findings are in line with theoretical research and other studies that hold that a country's level of economic growth is not adversely affected by significant trade openness because foreign investments are not less effective.