Abstract

This paper examines the linkage between FDI, trade openness, capital formation, and economic growth rates in
Bangladesh over a period 1986 to 2008 using time series analysis. All variables are found stationary at first
differencing both at constant and constant plus trend level under the ADF and PP stationary tests. The
Johansen-Juselius procedure is applied to test the cointegrating relation between variables followed by a vector
error correction model. The empirical results trace a strong long-run equilibrium relationship between GDP
growth rates and the explanatory variables with unidirectional casual flows. The volume of FDI and level of
capital formation are found to have significant positive effect on changes in real GDP. The degree of trade
openness unleashes negative but diminishing influence on GDP growth rates. We conclude that Bangladesh
should formulate FDI-led polices and ensure higher degree of capital formation to enhance her economic growth
rates at large.

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