EU-Turkey Customs Union and Bilateral Foreign Direct Investment Flows

Abstract

Main aim of this text is presentation of the effects of customs union between the European Union and turkey on bilateral FDI flows in light of the theory of linkages between economic integration and FDI flows. First section of the text is a survey of main theoretical links between economic integration and FDI flows. Second section focuses on the history and scope of the customs union. Third and fourth sections are empirical and are devoted to presentation of the results of analysis of FDI inflows to the European Union and turkey, including main trends and impact of the economic integration. According to the results of the conducted research, FDI inflow to both sides of the agreement increased substantially. Intraregional FDI flows grew since the formation of the union which may be attributed to the positive impact of reduction of trade barriers and access to enlarged markets as well as linked changes in the turkey's legislation. FDI inflow from the third countries also increased.