The Journal of Economic Studies and Policies

The Journal of Economic Studies and Policies

Economic Convergence Within the MENA Countries: New Findings

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Omid Ranjbar 1
Zahra (Mila) Elmi 2
1 Master of Economics from Mazandaran University
2 Assistant Professor of Economics, Mazandaran University
Abstract
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Convergence hypothesis implies that the per capita income growth rate of poor countries is higher than the rich countries. Therefore, income inequality will be decreased in transition process.
This article aims at testing the club convergence hypothesis in MENA region during 1970-2003. We use b  convergence and s convergence (or distributed) models.
Our estimation results show that the income inequality decreased during 1970-2003. Even though such decreasing was not evenly distributed. Also, in estimating b  convergence model, the coefficient of threshold dummy variable shows that per capita income in MENA region is separated in to two groups. Therefore, the club convergence hypothesis is not rejected in MENA countries.
By using panel data method, we estimate TFP in MENA region for decades of 1970,s, 1980,s and 1990,s. The results show two income groups appear in MENA. As Quah, TFP separating is one of the most important club convergences.
Keywords
Solow-Swan Neoclassical Economic Growth
Convergence Hypothesis
Club Convergence Hypothesis
Middle East and North Africa
Panel Data

منابع

الف- فارسی

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2-       رحمانی، تیمور، عسگری، حشمت الله، «بررسی نقش سیاست‌های دولت در همگرایی منطقه‌ای دراستان‌های ایران با بکارگیری روند سپرده‌های دیداری »، مجله تحقیقات اقتصادی، شماره69، 1384.
3-       فروغی پور، الهام، «بررسی همگرایی سیگما وبتا (مطلق) بین کشورهای عضو اوپک»، فصلنامه پژوهش‌های بازرگانی، شماره39، 1385.

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