The Role of Foreign Direct Investment in Iran's Economy Using the Computable General Equilibrium Model

The use of know-how and the financial capability of foreign countries is one of the ways of achieving economic development. This can be realized through FDI. This is a tool that seems crucial for developed and developing countries. Using the CGE approach in terms of four scenarios, we investigatedthe effects of foreign direct investment on the Iranian economy. Scenario 1 suggests an increase of 100% in FDI and an increase of 5% in TFP (in all sectors). Scenario 2 refers to an increase of 100% in FDI. Scenario 3 points to an increase of 100% in FDI and a decrease of 5% in TFP. Finally, Scenario 4 suggests an imbalanced increase in FDI in economic sectors. The results of Scenario 1 show an increase in production, imports and exports but a decrease of prices in all economic sectors. As the macro level GDP and exports increase, CPI is decreased. The findings of the second and fourth scenarios show a relatively low reaction in all economic variables at both sectoral and macro levels. The results of Scenario 3 show that production¡ imports and exports are decreased while prices are increased in all economic sectors. In General, the evidence suggests that, if FDI is associated with improved productivity, economic benefits would be higher.