The Potential Role of Exports-Imports in Income Diversification and Sustainable Development of Kuwait

Authors

  • Shaikha Al-Fulaij Kuwaiti Institute for Scientific Research
  • Sulayman Al-Qudsi Kuwaiti Institute for Scientific Research
  • Hussam Arman Kuwaiti Institute for Scientific Research
  • Ahmad S. Alawadhi Kuwaiti Institute for Scientific Research

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34120/ajas.v29i1.1111

Keywords:

Exports, Imports, Diversification, Growth, Transformation

JEL Classification:

F140, O24, O38

Abstract

This paper uses a CEO survey of exporting and importing firms with regards to the effect of exports and imports on growth. The majority of CEOs think that exports have a positive effect on economic growth through increased investment and imports. The literature suggests that relationship between exports and growth is reciprocal. Exports have a positive effect on economic growth through increased investment and imports, while economic growth leads to export expansion and diversification by increasing imports used as inputs for exports.
This paper utilizes a field survey of CEOs from export-import firms to explore the trade-diversification-growth nexus and address Kuwait's goal of economic diversification from the perspective of firm CEOs.
The answers were given by 154 CEOs of exporting-importing companies in Kuwait to the 46 questions drawn from the Public Authority of Industry records. Most CEOs believe that manufactured exports and imports contribute to Kuwait's economic diversification and drives to attract skilled labor. Exporting firms have an edge in terms of innovation. Most CEOs appreciate the role of exports and imports in enhancing the use of technology in their business operations.
Capture the perspective of the private sector on the effect of export-import on growth relationship in Kuwait.
Effective national policies can help firms to swiftly export their products and can direct them to high value-added niches. Innovative firms are the engine of economic growth, and the majority of these firms are exporters. Therefore, an effective national innovation system can contribute to the success of those firms.

JEL classification: F140, O24, O38

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Author Biographies

Shaikha Al-Fulaij , Kuwaiti Institute for Scientific Research

is a principal research associate at the Techno-Economics Division of the Kuwaiti Institute for Scientific Research (KISR). She holds a B.Sc.  in computer engineering summa cum laude from Kuwait University. Her main area of specialization and interest includes database management, object oriented design, and software development. She led and participated in numerous research projects in the areas of data analysis and modeling, information technology and economics. (sfulaij@kisr.edu.kw)

Sulayman Al-Qudsi, Kuwaiti Institute for Scientific Research

is a principal research specialist at the Techno-Economics Division of the Kuwaiti Institute for Scientific Research (KISR). He earned his PhD in economics from UC Davis-USA in 1979.  Recently, he led a number of research projects aiming to transform Kuwait from an oil-based country into a digitized knowledge economy following the COVID-19 pandemic era. He is a prolific author and recipient of numerous awards. (squdsi@kisr.edu.kw)

Hussam Arman, Kuwaiti Institute for Scientific Research

is an associate research specialist at the Techno-Economics Division of the Kuwaiti Institute for Scientific Research (KISR). He obtains his PhD in Operations Management from the University of Nottingham in the UK. He has lead projects and major tasks in work related to improving Kuwait's national competitiveness and the national innovation system and SMEs development. His published research is in technology management, SMEs, innovation and R&D management. (harman@kisr.edu.kw)

Ahmad S. Alawadhi, Kuwaiti Institute for Scientific Research

is an associate research scientist at the Techno-Economics Division of the Kuwaiti Institute for Scientific Research (KISR). He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Southampton in the UK. He led and participated in research projects. He also led and co-authored refereed journal articles in the areas of applied macroeconomics, energy, trade and economic development. (aawadhi@kisr.edu.kw)

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Published

2022

How to Cite

Al-Fulaij , S., Al-Qudsi, S., Arman, H., & Alawadhi, A. S. (2022). The Potential Role of Exports-Imports in Income Diversification and Sustainable Development of Kuwait. Arab Journal of Administrative Sciences, 29(1), 169–200. https://doi.org/10.34120/ajas.v29i1.1111

Issue

Section

Economics