Capital Flows to Least Developed Countries: What Matters?

Monzur Hossain

 

Abstract

This paper analyses determinants and persistency of capital flows (foreign direct investment, debt and official aid) to least developed countries (LDCs) for the period 1991-2012. The results indicate that capital flows to LDCs, particularly FDI and external debt, are associated with various factors, such as macroeconomic stability, financial sector development, trade openness, natural resource abundance and political environment. However, the determinants of capital flows vary significantly across regions. While FDIs are of natural resource seeking type in Africa, it is mostly efficiency seeking in Asia. The results suggest for appropriate policies aimed at improving macroeconomic and financial environment along with political stability in order to ensure more capital flows to LDCs.

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