Are openness to trade and regional integration good for the environment?

Evidence from ASEAN+3 region

Authors

  • Dang Minh Hang Utrecht University School of Economics

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25609/sure.v3.2501

Keywords:

Trade opening, regional integration, pollution reduction, ASEAN 3, environmental agreements

Abstract

Using a 26-year panel data set from 1990 to 2015, this paper aims to investigate the effects of openness to trade and regional integration among ASEAN+3 countries. With the application of fixed-effects model, trade, foreign direct investment, and regional environmental agreements beneficially affect the environment in this region, indicated by the reduction in carbon and greenhouse gas emission and forest gain. The empirical evidence supports intra-regional incentives for more trade liberalization and deep integration. Positive effects of trade and integration on economic development and environmental protection are realized through technological transfer from leading innovator countries to less developed nations.

Additional Files

Published

2017-12-05

Issue

Vol. 3 (2017): Student Research Conference 2017

Section

Economics & Social Sciences

License

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