Natural resources and economic growth in Asia: The moderating role of governance

The current study extends the existing literature by exploring the moderating role of governance in the association between natural resources and economic growth. Using a large range of periods (1996–2019) of 48-Asian economies as a sample, this study employs the system GMM and FMOLS models to investigate proposed relationship. The analysis implies that natural resources have an adverse impact on economic growth. However, the interaction of a better governance system converts this curse impact of natural resources into blessings. The diffusion of a better governance system can enhance the efficiency of natural resources and thus more economic growth. The empirical analysis further discloses the moderating role of governance in the nexus between resource rents-economic growth. Policy officials should exercise better governance to enhance efficiency of natural resources. This study supplements the innovative thoughts regarding role of better governance systems in improving economic growth through channel of resource utilization.