Remittances Impact on Economic Growth, Domestic Savings and Domestic Capital at the Presence of ODA and FDI in selected MENA Countries

Abstract

This article investigates the impact of remittances on economic growth, investment and domestic savings in selected MENA labor exporting countries. The estimations have been done in the presence of other international capital inflow, which are foreign aid and foreign direct investment. A multiple equations model estimated simultaneously using different techniques. We found a positive impact of remittances on both growth and investment, meanwhile a negative impact on domestic savings. Aid impacts negatively on both growth and savings where it finance consumption instead of investment and enhance rent seeking behavior. Government expenditure and FDI are important source of growth. We recommended that policies for encouraging final use of productive investment of remittances. In addition, enhancing more project of migrant in home country that may facilitate their trade with host countries. Finally, more efficient allocation of aid is requires, and attracting more FDI.