Export Performance and Geography in Croatia

Artuc, Erhan ; Iootty, Mariana ; Pirlea, Ana Florina

World Bank Group, Washington, DC

关键词: AGRICULTURE;    BENCHMARK;    COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE;    COMPETITIVE INDUSTRIES;    COMPETITIVENESS;   

DOI  :  10.1596/1813-9450-6999
RP-ID  :  WPS6999

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: World Bank Open Knowledge Repository

【 摘 要 】

This paper uses the gravity model toanalyze whether the varying export performance of Croatiancounties can be explained by their proximity to bordergates, ports, and other county-specific characteristics. Theanalysis finds that longer distances to border gatesincrease trade frictions significantly for many productcategories, although these frictions have been decreasingbetween 2007 and 2012. The paper analyzes the countyspecific factors that are associated with variation inexport performance, net of distance. Results show thatexports are strongly and positively correlated with motorwayand road density, the size of the labor force, low-skillratio, and the number of patents. These variables are alsoassociated with a greater diversity of exports in terms ofproducts and destinations. Several general policyimplications are highlighted. The significant associationbetween motorway and road density and export volume, numberof destinations, as well as the diversity of exportedproducts may indicate that improvements in connectivity andfacilitation of transport could still play a significantrole in enhancing regional trade outcomes. Similarly, goodperformance in research and development may significantlyhelp to spur competitiveness and allow local producers toenter new markets in products and destinations, which inturn can increase the level of diversification and boostresilience to global economic shocks.