Import Flows of Bangladesh: Gravity Model Approach under Panel Data Methodology

In counterpoint to export growth, Bangladesh import growth has remained much less strong, despite impressive progress in import liberalization. This study gives an overview of different methodologies related to gravity model analysis in Bangladesh’s import flow. A pooled cross section and time series data were analyzed to incorporate the country specific heterogeneity in country pair trading partners. The import flows are justified by the basic gravity model since Bangladesh’s imports are positively significant by the economy size and inversely related to trade barrier. Accordingly, we have analyzed pooled ordinary least square, fixed effect, random effect. This study also explores extended gravity model using several variables in the light of gravity model panel data approach. Bangladesh’s import is determined by the home and foreign country’s gross domestic product and exchange rate. In addition, Cross section results show that regional trade arrangement which is South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation and border are significant for Bangladesh’s import implies that Bangladesh should import more from intra regional country and also should import from India.