Measuring The Impact Of Foreign Trade Liberalization On Social Indicators Of Sustainable Development In Iraq For The Duration (2004-2018)

Abstract

This study aims to measure the impact of foreign trade liberalization on sustainable development indicators in Iraq for the period 2004-2018 by applying ARDL methodology to detect the relationship between trade liberalization (degree of economic exposure) and some sustainable development indicators (social indicators).  From the standard study it was found that the liberalization of foreign trade (degree of economic exposure) has a negative impact on the unemployment rate as economic exposure leads to a rise in the rate of unemployment, while economic exposure leads to a decrease in spending on health and education during the period studied.

One of the most important recommendations of the study is to create an environment suitable for foreign and domestic investment that works to attract investors provided that it employs the Iraqi labor force, to be a reason for maintaining sustainable development and reducing unemployment. It requires the development and improvement of the health sectors and the manufacture of sanitary goods that can be produced in the country, as attention to this important sector leads to the maintenance of increased population reconstruction and prolongs the extension of human development. Attention to education and increased spending on it and the provision of modern education requirements that need quality control and skills development for teaching staff to build a generation capable of promoting the country because the individual is the key element of development.