International Trade and Economic Growth in Central Asia: The Role of Digital Economy

This study investigates the determinants of economic growth in five republics in Central Asia over the period from 2000 to 2022. It focuses particularly on the role of the digital economy—which includes e-commerce, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), human capital, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT)—in a region where traditional market access is restricted due to geographical constraints. Based on export-led and neoclassical growth theories, the research investigates the relationship between the variables and economic performance by analyzing panel data using Pooled Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and robustness testing. The findings suggest that there is a prominent positive relationship between e-commerce sales and ICT in terms of their contribution to economic growth. This underscores the profound influence of digital infrastructure and the internet economy. While, population growth and a landlocked geographical location have been identified as factors that have a major negative impact on economic growth. The present study not only discusses the growth outlines within economies of Central Asia but also offers practical insights for policymakers to effectively apply the digital economy to mitigate the negative effects of geographic location and achieve sustainable development.

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