Wider Economic Benefits of Transport Corridors: Evidence from International Development Organizations

32 Pages Posted: 15 Nov 2019 Last revised: 16 Nov 2019

Date Written: November 13, 2019

Abstract

This paper collects meta data on transport corridor projects financed by the Asian Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and World Bank and links them to one important wider economic benefit -- local economic activity. The meta data cover 47 projects in 16 countries, with appraisal dates between 1991 and 2007. First, the paper reviews the variation in project design and implementation -- including the local initial conditions, complementary non-transport interventions, and private sector involvement. Second, using the difference-in-differences methodology, the paper links this variation to a measure of local economic activity -- the geocoded intensity of nighttime lights. The effect of the supported corridor projects on local economic activity could be very heterogenous and significantly depend on certain initial conditions and project characteristics. The latter could include locations with access to the sea, as well as projects with a strong theory of change and better engagement of the private sector.

Suggested Citation

Alam, Muneeza Mehmood and Herrera Dappe, Matias and Melecky, Martin and Goldblatt, Ran, Wider Economic Benefits of Transport Corridors: Evidence from International Development Organizations (November 13, 2019). World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 9057, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3486607

Muneeza Mehmood Alam (Contact Author)

World Bank ( email )

1818 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20433
United States

Matias Herrera Dappe

World Bank ( email )

1818 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20433
United States

Martin Melecky

World Bank ( email )

1818 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20433
United States

Ran Goldblatt

New Light Technologies ( email )

1100 H St NW
#700
Washington,, DC 20001
United States

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