| An Empirical Evaluation of Intra-Bloc and Extra-Bloc Export Flows: A Study of Select South Asian Economies |
Rinku Manocha, |
| Hindu College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India |
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Corresponding Author:
Rinku Manocha ,Email: rmanocha2002@yahoo.com |
| Copyright ©2025 The Journal of Economic Integration |
| ABSTRACT |
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The present study examines the export determinants for South Asian region with a major focus on intra-bloc and extra-bloc trade flows over the period of 1991-2022. For capturing the impact of intra-regional bloc flows, the study incorporates intra-SAARC as explanatory variable. To study the extra-bloc export association, the study includes SAARC-APTA and SAARC-ASEAN as explanatory variables. Results for intra-SAARC bloc variable suggested that the South Asian bloc has failed to boost trade opportunities among South Asian economies. However, the results for SAARC-ASEAN and SAARC-APTA extra-bloc were found to be positive and significant indicating extra-bloc trade facilitation. Lack of trade opportunities among South Asian economies might have encouraged SAARC countries to look for East and South-East Asian trading partners. Moreover, policy initiatives to strengthen economic, cultural, and strategic relationships with East and South-East economies of Asia would have contributed to such realignment of trade towards ASEAN and APTA economies.
JEL Classification
F1: Trade
F4: Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance |
| Keywords:
trade | ASEAN | SAARC | APTA
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