Russian Regional External Trading, 1997-2001
Regional and Sectoral Economic Studies, Vol. 6-1, pp. 5-20, 2006
16 Pages Posted: 12 May 2011 Last revised: 27 Jan 2015
Date Written: 2006
Abstract
Using recent regional data from Russia, the pattern of trade of Russia’s regions with the CIS and rest of the world (non-CIS) is examined using a series of gravity equations. Some evidence of shifting trade patterns toward non-CIS countries is found, but trade still has an inward orientation from the Soviet era reflecting infrastructure and other ties that remain in place. Evidence suggests an export oriented trade policy by the Russian government can grow the Russian economy at both the regional and national levels. Very little evidence was found that corruption enhanced or diverted trade in any way.
Keywords: Europe, Eurasia, Former Soviet Union, trade, gravity
JEL Classification: P27, R5, F21
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation