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Regional Economic Cooperation in the Western Balkans: The Role of Stabilization and Association Agreements, Bilateral Investment Treaties and Free Trade Agreements in Regional Investment and Trade Flows

Richard Grieveson, Mario Holzner, Goran Vukšić

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Abstract

This study explores the role of stabilization and association agreements (SAAs), bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and free trade agreements (FTAs) in the Western Balkans and their impact on the region’s inward foreign direct investment (FDI) and exports, with primary interest in the effects on intra-regional FDI and trade. Results show that BITs were not related to intra-regional FDI, nor to the FDI from other countries. The Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) contributed to increased intra-regional trade. Finally, the SAAs turn out to be highly significant for FDI from the EU to signee countries, and their exports to the EU.

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What this paper is about

This study explores the role of stabilization and association agreements (SAAs), bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and free trade agreements (FTAs) in the Western Balkans and their impact on the region’s inward foreign direct investment (FDI) and exports, with primary interest in the effects on intra-regional FDI and trade. Results show that BITs were not related to intra-regional FDI, nor to the FDI from other countries. The Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) contributed to increased intra-regional trade. Finally, the SAAs turn out to be highly significant for FDI from the EU to signee countries, and their exports to the EU.

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OpenAlex reports 23 citations for this work. Citation counts describe recorded attention and do not establish research quality.

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Available abstract

This study explores the role of stabilization and association agreements (SAAs), bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and free trade agreements (FTAs) in the Western Balkans and their impact on the region’s inward foreign direct investment (FDI) and exports, with primary interest in the effects on intra-regional FDI and trade. Results show that BITs were not related to intra-regional FDI, nor to the FDI from other countries. The Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) contributed to increased intra-regional trade. Finally, the SAAs turn out to be highly significant for FDI from the EU to signee countries, and their exports to the EU.

Key concepts: Investment (military), Regional trade, International economics, International trade, Economics, Business, Bilateral trade, Foreign direct investment

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Regional Economic Cooperation in the Western Balkans: The Role of Stabilization and Association Agreements, Bilateral Investment Treaties and Free Trade Agreements in Regional Investment and Trade Flows — Research Paper | ScholarLens