摘要:The objective of this study is twofold: (i) to estimate the equilibrium
real exchange rate (RER) from a long-run perspective and calculate the
degree of overvaluation for the period 1972–2007, and (ii) to test the Dutch
Disease hypothesis concerning the effect of capital flows on the RER in
Pakistan. Based on various macroeconomic fundamentals suggested in
economic literature by Edwards (1988, 1989, 1994), Elbadawi (1994), and
Montiel (1997), the equilibrium RER is estimated as a function of the terms
of trade, government spending, degree of openness, workers’ remittances,
foreign direct investment (FDI) flows, and foreign economic assistance. In
view of this study’s long-term focus, all unsustainable and temporary flows
are filtered out to obtain an accurate misalignment index. Estimation
results are in line with theoretical postulations: an increase in capital
flows, government spending on nontradable goods and terms of trade
improvement are consistent with an appreciation of the RER, while an
increase in the degree of openness is expected to depreciate the RER.
Findings suggest that the RER suffers from chronic overvaluation in
Pakistan. In spite of filtering out unsustainable and temporary flows,
overvaluation increased from 0.75% in 2001 to 22.9% in 2007. A sharp
rise in FDI flows (between 2005 and 2007) and an increase in remittances
(between 2002 and 2007) are among the main factors that have
contributed to this persistent overvaluation. Results also suggest that the
Dutch Disease hypothesis holds in the case of Pakistan.
关键词:Keywords: Real exchange rate, capital inflow, overvaluation, Pakistan.