Utilizing panel data for 14 East European transition economies, we discuss the link between product variety and growth. The empirical work relies upon some direct measures of product variety calculated from 5-digit OECD trade data. On balance, the results suggest that the growth patterns of the East European transition countries may be best represented by) model of outward orientation and integration with the world economy.JEL classifications: C33, F43, O31, O33, O52. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
This study examines the ability of the Central and Eastern European countries to attract foreign direct investment during the first decade of transition. After considering a model of profit maximizing firms, we undertake an empirical investigation of the factors that determine multinational firms’ location decisions within Europe. We find empirical support for the traditional market size and cost factors. In addition, we examine the effect of key European Union announcements regarding the accession process. Results indicate that the announcements had statistically significant and quantitatively important effects on foreign direct investment in the Central and Eastern European candidate countries.JEL classifications: F23, P33. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]