Economic Growth, Foreign Direct Investment and the Environment: An Empirical Investigation for SAARC Countries

Abstract

The study tests the validity of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) for SAARC countries by using closed and open economy Models. The Peroni Panel Cointegration technique along with FMOLS estimation techniques have been used for empirical analysis by using the data from 1972-2015. The long run and short run estimates of the closed economy model reveals positive and significant relationship between Per capita GDP, per capita GDP2 and the carbon emissions that deny the existence of EKC. The findings of open economy model signify that FDI not only helps to transfer cleaner technologies, but it enables the producers to use less pollutant technologies for the production purposes. Moreover, an increase in the forest area is helpful for reducing the carbon emissions. Finally, population density and energy consumption are proved significant contributors of carbon emissions. The study suggests that effective policies should be followed for reducing emissions, regulating FDI-environment and per capita GDP environment relationship.