Foreign direct investment and growth in developing countries: Evidence from the countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States

Abstract

This paper empirically explores the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth in the countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). To reach that goal, the paper utilizes panel data consisting of annual data covering the period 1988-2013 from 34 countries, including the six OECS economies, and estimates a dynamic panel growth model using the generalized method of moments (GMM). The empirical results show that although FDI positively affects growth, its impact is minimal when considered in isolation. In other words, its significant effect is rather indirect. There is also a strong and positive interaction between infrastructural development and FDI in enhancing economic growth, but FDI crowds out domestic investment. These findings have policy implications.