Greenfield investments, cross-border M&As, and economic growth in emerging countries

This paper investigates the effect of foreign direct investment (FDI) on economic growth in emerging countries through its two major entry modes: Greenfield investments and cross-bor-der mergers and acquisitions (M&As). We found that both Greenfields and M&As contribute positively to accelerating growth. In addition, emerging countries could obtain more benefits from Greenfields and M&As if the human capital levels were enhanced. We also found that while growth did not have any significant impact on Greenfield investment levels, lower eco-nomic growth could lead to higher M&A flows.