محمد غفاری فرد

Economic growth is a major goal for developing countries; governments therefore strive to create favorable conditions and allocate necessary resources for the prosperity of their nations. This study examines the impact of International Monetary Fund (IMF) loans, along with other macroeconomic variables, on the economic growth of selected countries in the D8 group. The study utilizes panel data covering the period from 2001 to 2020, and employs a panel data method to investigate the effects of explanatory variables on growth. The research findings indicate that IMF loans have had a positive impact on the economic growth of member countries. Furthermore, IMF loans have contributed to the promotion of structural reforms and trade liberalization, which further enhances economic growth. Other variables, such as foreign direct investment, labor, and exports also had a positive impact on economic growth in the D8 countries. However, an increase in inflation rate has been found to have an adverse impact on economic growth. Therefore, economic policymakers in the D8 countries should seek loans for economic growth from the IMF and invest in projects that promise high returns. This study contributes to the existing literature on the relationship between IMF loans and economic growth in developing countries, and provides valuable insights for policymakers in D8 countries. The findings suggest that prudent borrowing, along with strategic investment in high-return projects, can help these countries achieve sustained economic growth.

Iran and Afghanistan share deep historical, cultural and civilizational ties. Iran is one of Afghanistan’s largest trading partners. However, economic sanctions have disrupted bilateral trade between these two neighboring countries through various channels. This paper presents an empirical analysis of the impact of economic sanctions on trade between Iran and Afghanistan in the period 2004-2018 by applying the Gravity Model, while the estimation is performed using fully modified least-squares technique. Findings of the research indicate that the imposition of any strong economic sanctions, in the long run, not only during the sanctions period but also in the post-sanctions period, has increased trade between Iran and Afghanistan. On the other hand, weak sanctions during the sanctions period have reduced trade; nevertheless, weak sanctions in the post-sanctions period have increased bilateral trade. Development of trade cooperation between the two countries, facilitation of trade affairs and expansion of joint regional and international cooperation should be on the agenda of economic policymakers in Iran and Afghanistan.

The stock market, as a symbol of the capital market, is one of the most important sectors of the economy of any country and, unlike the money market, is responsible for the long-term financing of corporate capital. The capital market collects funds from surplus sectors and channels them to institutions that need financing. This study investigates the feasibility of establishing a market for the Kabul Stock Exchange. It is a survey in terms of nature and descriptive method and is applied in relation to the purpose. For the feasibility study of the present study, six platforms were identified using Delphi method. Non-random and purposive sampling was used, and according to Morgan’s table, 180 people were selected from three groups of university professors, experts from the ministries of Finance, Economy, Trade and Industry, the Central Bank and a number of people in Kabul. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed by Delphi method and Cronbach’s alpha test. SPSS statistical software was used to analyze the data. From the results of one-sample t-test, it can be seen that all H1’s sub-hypotheses were confirmed in relation to the six platforms, which means that in the current situation, Kabul city is not in a favorable situation in terms of infrastructure and requirements for legal, economic, technical and technological, cultural, social and human capital platforms for the establishment of the stock market, and the conditions for the establishment of Kabul Stock Exchange do not exist. The Friedman test showed that the degree of readiness for the establishment of Kabul Stock Exchange depended on the human capital, economic, legal, cultural, technical and technological or social platforms.