ЦИФРОВИЗАЦИЯ, ПИИ И УСТОЙЧИВОСТЬ: ИЗУЧЕНИЕ ВЛИЯНИЯ ЦИФРОВЫХ ПРЯМЫХ ИНОСТРАННЫХ ИНВЕСТИЦИЙ НА ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКОЕ И СОЦИАЛЬНОЕ БЛАГОПОЛУЧИЕ В УЗБЕКИСТАНЕ

Аннотация

В этом исследовании изучается, как прямые иностранные инвестиции (ПИИ), особенно в цифровом секторе, влияют на экологическую устойчивость в Узбекистане. ПИИ поддерживают экономический рост, но могут увеличить выбросы CO₂, создавая экологические проблемы. С помощью эконометрического анализа исследование выявляет умеренную положительную корреляцию между притоком ПИИ и выбросами CO₂, что указывает на то, что рост ПИИ может увеличить выбросы. Этот двойной эффект ставит перед Узбекистаном задачу сбалансировать экономическое развитие с защитой окружающей среды. Политикам настоятельно рекомендуется принять надежную экологическую политику, одновременно поощряя устойчивые ПИИ. Исследование предлагает идеи и рекомендации по согласованию цифровых ПИИ с экологическими и социальными целями Узбекистана.

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Мухаммад Эйд B. (2024). ЦИФРОВИЗАЦИЯ, ПИИ И УСТОЙЧИВОСТЬ: ИЗУЧЕНИЕ ВЛИЯНИЯ ЦИФРОВЫХ ПРЯМЫХ ИНОСТРАННЫХ ИНВЕСТИЦИЙ НА ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКОЕ И СОЦИАЛЬНОЕ БЛАГОПОЛУЧИЕ В УЗБЕКИСТАНЕ. Передовая экономика и педагогические технологии, 1(2), 38–48. извлечено от https://inlibrary.uz/index.php/aept/article/view/59996
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Аннотация

В этом исследовании изучается, как прямые иностранные инвестиции (ПИИ), особенно в цифровом секторе, влияют на экологическую устойчивость в Узбекистане. ПИИ поддерживают экономический рост, но могут увеличить выбросы CO₂, создавая экологические проблемы. С помощью эконометрического анализа исследование выявляет умеренную положительную корреляцию между притоком ПИИ и выбросами CO₂, что указывает на то, что рост ПИИ может увеличить выбросы. Этот двойной эффект ставит перед Узбекистаном задачу сбалансировать экономическое развитие с защитой окружающей среды. Политикам настоятельно рекомендуется принять надежную экологическую политику, одновременно поощряя устойчивые ПИИ. Исследование предлагает идеи и рекомендации по согласованию цифровых ПИИ с экологическими и социальными целями Узбекистана.


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DIGITALIZATION, FDI, AND SUSTAINABILITY: EXPLORING THE IMPACT

OF DIGITAL FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT ON ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL

WELL-BEING IN UZBEKISTAN

Balbaa Muhammad Eid

Tashkent State University of Economics

ORCID: 0000-0002-9924-777X

m.balbaa@tsue.uz

Abstract.

This study investigates how Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), particularly in the

digital sector, impacts environmental sustainability in Uzbekistan. FDI supports economic growth

but can increase CO₂ emissions, posing environmental challenges. Through econometric analysis,

the research reveals a moderate positive correlation between FDI inflows and CO₂ emissions,

indicating that rising FDI may elevate emissions. This dual effect challenges Uzbekistan to balance

economic development with environmental protection. Policymakers are urged to adopt robust
environmental policies while encouraging sustainable FDI. The study offers insights and

recommendations for aligning digital FDI with Uzbekistan's environmental and social objectives.

Keywords:

digitalization, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Environmental Sustainability,

CO2 Emissions, Economic Growth, Resource Utilization, Social Well-being, Green Investments.

RAQAMLASHTIRISH, TO‘G‘RIDAN-TO‘G‘RI INVESTITSIYALAR VA BARQARORLIK:

RAQAMLI TO‘G‘RIDAN-TO‘G‘RI XORIJIY INVESTITSIYALAR O‘ZBEKISTONNING

EKOLOGIK VA IJTIMOIY FAROVONLIGIGA TA’SIRINI O‘RGANISH

Balbaa Muhammad Eid

Toshkent davlat iqtisodiyot universiteti

Annotatsiya.

Ushbu tadqiqot toʻgʻridan-toʻgʻri xorijiy investitsiyalar, xususan, raqamli

sektor Oʻzbekistonda ekologik barqarorlikka qanday taʼsir qilishini oʻrganadi. To'g'ridan-to'g'ri

investitsiyalar iqtisodiy o'sishni qo'llab-quvvatlaydi, lekin CO₂ chiqindilarini ko'paytirishi

mumkin, bu esa ekologik muammolarni keltirib chiqarishi mumkin. Ekonometrik tahlil orqali
tadqiqot to'g'ridan-to'g'ri investitsiyalar oqimi va CO₂ emissiyasi o'rtasida o'rtacha ijobiy

korrelyatsiyani aniqladi, bu esa to'g'ridan-to'g'ri investitsiyalarning o'sishi emissiyalarni oshirishi

mumkinligini ko'rsatadi. Bu ikki tomonlama taʼsir Oʻzbekistonni iqtisodiy rivojlanish va atrof-

muhitni muhofaza qilish muvozanatiga chorlaydi. Siyosatchilar barqaror to'g'ridan-to'g'ri
investitsiyalarni rag'batlantirish bilan birga mustahkam ekologik siyosatni qabul qilishga

chaqiriladi. Tadqiqot raqamli toʻgʻridan-toʻgʻri investitsiyalarni Oʻzbekistonning ekologik va

ijtimoiy maqsadlariga moslashtirish boʻyicha tushuncha va tavsiyalarni taqdim etadi.

Kalit so‘zlar:

raqamlashtirish, To‘g‘ridan-to‘g‘ri xorijiy investitsiyalar (TDI), Ekologik

barqarorlik, CO2 emissiyasi, Iqtisodiy o‘sish, Resurslardan foydalanish, Ijtimoiy farovonlik, Yashil

investitsiyalar.

UOʻK: 330.322.01

38-48


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ЦИФРОВИЗАЦИЯ, ПИИ И УСТОЙЧИВОСТЬ: ИЗУЧЕНИЕ ВЛИЯНИЯ ЦИФРОВЫХ

ПРЯМЫХ ИНОСТРАННЫХ ИНВЕСТИЦИЙ НА ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКОЕ И СОЦИАЛЬНОЕ

БЛАГОПОЛУЧИЕ В УЗБЕКИСТАНЕ

Балбаа Мухаммад Эйд

Ташкентский государственный экономический университет

Аннотация.

В этом исследовании изучается, как прямые иностранные инвестиции

(ПИИ), особенно в цифровом секторе, влияют на экологическую устойчивость в
Узбекистане. ПИИ поддерживают экономический рост, но могут увеличить выбросы CO₂,

создавая экологические проблемы. С помощью эконометрического анализа исследование

выявляет умеренную положительную корреляцию между притоком ПИИ и выбросами
CO₂, что указывает на то, что рост ПИИ может увеличить выбросы. Этот двойной
эффект ставит перед Узбекистаном задачу сбалансировать экономическое развитие с

защитой окружающей среды. Политикам настоятельно рекомендуется принять

надежную экологическую политику, одновременно поощряя устойчивые ПИИ.

Исследование предлагает идеи и рекомендации по согласованию цифровых ПИИ с
экологическими и социальными целями Узбекистана.

Ключевые слова:

цифровизация, прямые иностранные инвестиции (ПИИ),

экологическая устойчивость, выбросы CO2, экономический рост, использование ресурсов,

социальное благополучие, зеленые инвестиции.

Introduction:

In this section, we explore the multifaceted impacts of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on

environmental sustainability and social well-being. FDI plays a crucial role in economic

development, often bringing in much-needed capital, technology, and managerial expertise.
However, its environmental and social implications are complex and require thorough

examination. Our primary focus will be on the environmental impacts of FDI, specifically

analyzing how FDI inflows influence CO2 emissions. CO2 emissions are a critical indicator of

environmental sustainability, reflecting the extent of pollution and the effectiveness of a
country's environmental policies.

Table 1:

FDI inflows, CO2 emissions, Uzbekistan

year

FDI inflow

CO2 emissions

2005

-210,942,182.15

4.554977644

2006

-205,006,878.84

4.808052627

2007

-665,212,034.70

4.562326932

2008

-545,389,489.49

4.720545146

2009

-608,776,388.26

4.196737901

2010

-1,659,799,355.45

4.419814161

2011

-1,611,410,789.00

4.384333013

2012

-741,158,491.42

3.799902601

2013

-687,255,065.17

3.698566951

2014

-804,245,735.75

3.40963401

2015

-1,036,625,230.27

3.17449495

2016

-1,657,069,191.40

3.307404884

2017

-1,790,139,193.71

3.387256627

2018

-622,886,824.39

3.420322793

2019

-2,313,130,816.87

3.504662697

2020

-1,716,938,024.48

3.376303785

Source:

data.worldbank.org.


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By using FDI inflows as the independent variable and CO2 emissions as the dependent

variable, we aim to uncover the relationship between foreign investments and environmental

degradation or improvement.

This analysis is essential for policymakers and stakeholders who seek to balance

economic growth with environmental protection. Understanding the trade-offs and synergies
between FDI and environmental sustainability can help in designing better policies that

maximize the benefits of foreign investments while mitigating their adverse effects.

We will start with descriptive statistics to provide a clear picture of the data

characteristics, followed by a detailed econometric analysis to identify and interpret the
impact of FDI inflows on CO2 emissions. This approach will enable us to assess the potential

benefits and challenges associated with FDI in the context of environmental and social well-

being.

Figure 1: FDI Inflow in Uzbekistan (2005-2020)

Literature Review.

The literature on the relationship between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI),

environmental sustainability, and economic growth is extensive and diverse. Several studies
have explored the impact of FDI on both economic performance and environmental outcomes,

with particular focus on developing economies. The Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC)
hypothesis provides a key theoretical framework, suggesting that economic growth initially

leads to environmental degradation but eventually results in improved environmental quality

as income levels increase and cleaner technologies are adopted (Grossman, & Krueger, 1995).

FDI and Environmental Impact

Alvarado and Toledo (2017) examined the relationship

between environmental degradation and economic growth in developing countries, identifying

that higher economic growth often leads to increased environmental pressure, particularly in

the early stages of development (Alvarado, & Toledo, 2017). Similarly, Kivyiro and Arminen

(2014) conducted a causality analysis in Sub-Saharan Africa, finding that FDI inflows

contributed to higher carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, linking economic growth with
environmental degradation (Kivyiro, & Arminen, 2014). These studies provide a foundation for

understanding the trade-offs between economic growth, driven by FDI, and environmental

sustainability.

The Role of Digitalization and Innovation

Recent research has expanded the scope of

this relationship by incorporating the role of digitalization and innovation. Abdurashidova et

al. (2023) explored how digitalization impacts various sectors, including education, and


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highlighted the potential for digital transformation to foster more sustainable development
outcomes in emerging economies like Uzbekistan (Abdurashidova, et al, 2023). Similarly,

Astanakulov et al. (2022) examined the integration of digital technologies in distributed

environments, emphasizing that digital tools can improve operational efficiency and reduce

environmental impacts, especially in the energy and manufacturing sectors (Astanakulov et al.,
2022). These insights align with broader discussions on the role of technology in reducing the

environmental footprint of economic activities.

FDI and Carbon Emissions

Jalil and Mahmud (2009) tested the EKC hypothesis in China,

finding that FDI inflows were associated with increased CO2 emissions, particularly in sectors
with high energy consumption (Jalil, & Mahmud, 2009). Their findings are consistent with

Zhang and Cheng's (2009) work, which showed that rapid economic growth, driven by FDI,

resulted in higher carbon emissions, especially in the industrial sector (Zhang, & Cheng, 2009).
These studies underscore the importance of understanding the sectoral distribution of FDI
when assessing its environmental impact.

Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability

The challenge for

policymakers is to balance the economic benefits of FDI with its environmental costs. Omri and

Kahouli (2014) provided empirical evidence from the MENA region, showing that while FDI
boosts economic growth, it can also exacerbate environmental degradation if not carefully

managed (Omri, & Kahouli, 2014). Similarly, Shahbaz et al. (2012) confirmed that the

relationship between FDI and environmental sustainability is complex, with FDI potentially

contributing to both positive and negative environmental outcomes, depending on the policy

context (Shahbaz, M. et al., 2012).

Policy Implications

The rise of digital technologies offers new avenues for mitigating the

environmental impacts of FDI. Astanakulov and Balbaa (2023) highlighted how digital

platforms, such as blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT), can enhance environmental

monitoring and ensure that FDI-driven projects adhere to sustainability standards (Balbaa,
2024). By integrating digital tools into environmental governance frameworks, countries like

Uzbekistan can better manage the environmental trade-offs associated with economic growth.

In summary, the literature underscores the dual impact of FDI on economic growth and

environmental sustainability. While FDI contributes to economic development, its
environmental consequences must be carefully managed, particularly in resource-intensive

sectors. The integration of digital technologies offers promising solutions for balancing these

trade-offs and fostering more sustainable growth trajectories (Balbaa & Astanakulov, 2023)

(Omri, & Kahouli, 2014) (Tang, & Tan, 2015).

Methodology.

This section outlines the methodology employed to examine the relationship between

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows and CO2 emissions in Uzbekistan. The primary

objective of this study is to assess whether FDI inflows contribute to environmental
degradation, specifically by increasing CO2 emissions. To achieve this, a comprehensive

econometric approach was used, combining descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and

regression modeling.

The study's methodological framework consists of three key components:

1.

Descriptive Statistics

: To provide an initial overview of the central tendencies and

variability of both FDI inflows and CO2 emissions over the study period, descriptive statistics

were calculated. These statistics allow for a foundational understanding of the data distribution

and highlight trends that will be further analyzed.

2.

Correlation Analysis

: To investigate the degree of association between FDI inflows

and CO2 emissions, a correlation analysis was performed. This step helps in understanding

whether an increase in FDI inflows corresponds with a rise in CO2 emissions, thus providing


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preliminary insights into the potential relationship between economic and environmental
factors.

3.

Econometric Modeling

: To quantify the relationship between FDI inflows and CO2

emissions, a simple linear regression model was developed. This model estimates the extent to

which variations in FDI inflows account for changes in CO2 emissions, controlling for other
factors that may influence environmental outcomes. The regression analysis allows for a more

detailed exploration of the causality between these two variables.

By employing these techniques, the methodology aims to provide a rigorous and

systematic approach to understanding the environmental impact of foreign investment in
Uzbekistan. This analysis will help to identify the implications of FDI on the country’s

sustainability efforts and inform future policy decisions aimed at balancing economic growth

with environmental protection.

Analysis and discussion of results.

The results of the study provide insights into the relationship between Foreign Direct

Investment (FDI) inflows and CO2 emissions in Uzbekistan. This section presents the findings

from the descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis that were employed
to examine the impact of FDI on environmental sustainability.

Correlation Analysis

The initial step in understanding the relationship between FDI inflows and CO2 emissions

involves performing a correlation analysis. This analysis is used to determine the degree of

association between these two variables.

Table 2.

The correlation coefficient between FDI inflows and CO2 emissions

FDI inflow

CO2 emissions

FDI inflow

1

CO2

emissions

0.481694063

1

Source:

the analysis conducted by the author

The correlation coefficient between FDI inflows and CO2 emissions is 0.4817, indicating

a moderate positive relationship. This suggests that higher levels of FDI inflow are associated

with higher CO2 emissions, implying that increased foreign investment may contribute to
environmental degradation in Uzbekistan. However, this correlation is not definitive proof of

causation, and further analysis is necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Descriptive Statistics

Our analysis begins with a summary of the descriptive statistics for FDI inflows and CO2

emissions in Uzbekistan over the study period. The descriptive statistics provide a snapshot of

the central tendencies, variability, and distributional characteristics of these variables, laying
the groundwork for more in-depth analysis.

The average FDI inflow into Uzbekistan during the study period was approximately -1.05

billion USD, indicating net outflows on average. The standard deviation of approximately

639.20 million USD highlights the significant variability in FDI inflows, reflecting fluctuations

in foreign investment levels. The negative skewness (-0.4732) suggests that the distribution of
FDI inflows is slightly skewed to the left, with a few large negative outflows.

CO2 emissions, on the other hand, had an average value of 3.92 metric tons per capita,

with a standard deviation of 0.58, indicating moderate variability. The distribution of CO2

emissions is slightly skewed to the right (skewness = 0.2647), and the negative kurtosis (-
1.7178) suggests that the distribution has lighter tails than a normal distribution, implying

fewer extreme values.


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Table 3:

Descriptive Statistics of FDI Inflows and CO2 Emissions, Uzbekistan

FDI inflow

CO2 emissions

Mean

-1054749106

3.920333545

Standard Error

159800542

0.14496947

Median

-772702113.6

3.749234776

Mode

#N/A

#N/A

Standard Deviation

639202167.9

0.579877882

Sample Variance

4.08579E+17

0.336258358

Kurtosis

-0.976006389

-1.717769923

Skewness

-0.473245985

0.264718609

Range

2108123938

1.633557677

Minimum

-2313130817

3.17449495

Maximum

-205006878.8

4.808052627

Sum

-16875985691

62.72533672

Count

16

16

Source:

the analysis conducted by the author

Figure 2: CO2 Emissions In Uzbekistan (2005-2020)

Econometric Model

The econometric model used in this analysis is a simple linear regression model that seeks

to quantify the relationship between FDI inflows (independent variable) and CO2 emissions

(dependent variable) in Uzbekistan. The model can be expressed as:

CO2

Emissionst = β0 + β1 × FDI

Inflowst + ϵtCO2

Emissionst = β0 + β1 × FDI

Inflowst + ϵt

Where:

CO2

Emissions

t

represents the CO2 emissions per capita in year

t.

FDI

Inflows

t

represents the Foreign Direct Investment inflows in year

t.

β

0

is the intercept, which represents the expected level of CO2 emissions when FDI

inflows are zero.

β

1

is the coefficient of FDI inflows, indicating the change in CO2 emissions associated

with a one-unit change in FDI inflows.

ϵ

t

is the error term, capturing the effect of other factors not included in the model.


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Regression Analysis

To further explore the relationship between FDI inflows and CO2 emissions, we perform

a simple linear regression analysis, with CO2 emissions as the dependent variable and FDI

inflows as the independent variable.

SUMMARY
OUTPUT

Regression Statistics

Multiple R

0.481694063

R Square

0.23202917

Adjusted R
Square

0.177174111

Standard Error

579818693.6

Observations

16

ANOVA

df

SS

MS

F

Significanc

e F

Regression

1

1.42204E+18

1.42204E+18

4.229859075

0.05885439

Residual

14

4.70666E+18

3.3619E+17

Total

15

6.12869E+18

Coefficients

Standard

Error

t Stat

P-value

Lower 95%

Upper 95%

Intercept

-3136343012

1022449859

-

3.067478552

0.008354878

-5329279858

-

943406165.7

CO2 emissions

530973674.1

258172535.5

2.05666212

0.05885439

-

22751343.19

1084698691

Source:

the analysis conducted by the author.

Based on the regression output provided:

CO2

Emissions

t

=−3,136,343,012+530,973,674.1×FDI

Inflows

t

t

Intercept (

β

0

)

: -3,136,343,012. This suggests that if FDI inflows were zero, CO2

emissions would be significantly negative, which isn't realistic and likely indicates that other
significant factors affecting CO2 emissions are not included in the model. However, it also

reflects that without FDI, the environmental impact could be considerably lower.

FDI Inflows Coefficient (

β

1

)

: 530,973,674.1. This positive coefficient indicates that for

each increase of 1 million USD in FDI inflows, CO2 emissions increase by approximately 530.97

metric tons per capita. This suggests that higher FDI inflows are associated with higher levels

of pollution, possibly due to increased industrial activity.

R-Squared

: 0.2320. This indicates that about 23.20% of the variability in CO2 emissions

can be explained by variations in FDI inflows. While this shows some level of association, it also

suggests that other factors significantly influence CO2 emissions and should be considered for
a more comprehensive analysis.

P-value for FDI Inflows

: 0.0589. This indicates that the relationship between FDI

inflows and CO2 emissions is statistically significant at the 10% level, suggesting that there is

some evidence of an association, though it is not strong enough to be considered highly

significant at conventional levels (such as 5%).


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Figure 3: FDI Inflow and CO2 Emissions in Uzbekistan (2005-2020)

The regression results indicate a statistically significant positive relationship between FDI

inflows and CO2 emissions at the 10% significance level (P-value = 0.0589). Specifically, the

coefficient for FDI inflows is approximately 530.97, suggesting that for every one-unit increase

in FDI inflow (in millions of USD), CO2 emissions increase by approximately 530.97 metric tons

per capita. The intercept term is negative, indicating that in the absence of FDI inflows, CO2
emissions would be lower. However, the model's R-square value of 0.2320 indicates that FDI

inflows explain only 23.20% of the variability in CO2 emissions, suggesting that other factors

also play significant roles in determining environmental outcomes.

The findings of this study highlight the intricate relationship between Foreign Direct

Investment (FDI) inflows and environmental sustainability in Uzbekistan, as measured by CO2

emissions. The results suggest a moderate positive correlation between FDI inflows and CO2

emissions, indicating that increased foreign investment may contribute to environmental

degradation. This section delves into the implications of these findings, comparing them with
existing literature, and discussing potential policy measures to address the challenges of
balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.

1. FDI Inflows and CO2 Emissions

The positive correlation between FDI inflows and CO2 emissions (correlation coefficient

of 0.4817) suggests that foreign investments are likely to drive higher levels of CO2 emissions
in Uzbekistan. This finding aligns with previous studies, which have shown that FDI can lead to

increased environmental degradation, particularly in developing countries where regulatory

frameworks may not be robust enough to mitigate the environmental impacts of industrial

activities (Abdurashidova, et al., 2023). In Uzbekistan, FDI is primarily directed toward sectors
like energy, mining, and manufacturing, all of which are resource-intensive and have high

environmental footprints. This mirrors similar trends observed in other resource-rich

countries, where foreign capital has been linked to industrial expansion and environmental

degradation (Alvarado, & Toledo, 2017).

2. Descriptive and Statistical Insights

The descriptive statistics indicate that Uzbekistan experienced net FDI outflows on

average during the study period, but these fluctuations were coupled with relatively stable CO2


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emissions. The standard deviation of CO2 emissions (0.58) suggests moderate variability in
environmental outcomes, implying that while CO2 emissions fluctuated, the overall trend was

steady. This consistency in emissions, despite significant variations in FDI inflows, suggests that

other factors, such as energy consumption patterns, technological advancements, or domestic

policy interventions, also play critical roles in influencing environmental outcomes.

Interestingly, the regression analysis reveals that FDI inflows are statistically significant

in explaining CO2 emissions (P-value = 0.0589) at the 10% significance level. However, the R-

squared value of 0.2320 indicates that only 23.2% of the variability in CO2 emissions can be

explained by FDI inflows. This relatively low R-squared value underscores the complexity of
environmental degradation in Uzbekistan and suggests that factors beyond FDI inflows—such

as domestic regulatory policies, the energy mix (renewable vs. non-renewable), and

technological innovation—are also influencing CO2 emissions (Astanakulov et al., 2022).

3. Comparison with Existing Literature

The results of this study are consistent with earlier research, which has found that FDI

inflows can lead to environmental degradation, particularly in developing economies with

weak regulatory frameworks. For instance, Shahbaz et al. (2012) found that in Pakistan, FDI

was positively correlated with CO2 emissions, largely due to industrial expansion driven by
foreign capital (Astanakulov et al., 2024). Similarly, Kivyiro and Arminen (2014) concluded that

in Sub-Saharan Africa, FDI was associated with increased carbon emissions due to the influx of

capital into energy-intensive industries (Balbaa, 2024).

However, these findings contrast with research conducted in more developed countries,

where FDI has been associated with positive environmental outcomes. For example, Omri and
Kahouli (2014) found that in the MENA region, FDI inflows contributed to environmental

improvements by facilitating the transfer of cleaner technologies and more efficient production

processes (Grossman, G. M., & Krueger, A. B., 1995). This discrepancy between developed and

developing economies highlights the role of institutional quality, regulatory frameworks, and
technological adoption in shaping the environmental impacts of FDI.

4. Policy Implications

The findings of this study have several important policy implications for Uzbekistan. First,

while FDI is a crucial driver of economic growth, it poses significant environmental challenges
if not properly managed. The moderate positive correlation between FDI inflows and CO2

emissions suggests that without robust environmental regulations, Uzbekistan risks increasing

its environmental footprint as it seeks to attract more foreign investment. Policymakers should

consider implementing stricter environmental standards for industries that are the primary
recipients of FDI, particularly those in the energy and manufacturing sectors, to mitigate the

adverse effects of industrial activity on the environment.

Second, there is a need to promote greener FDI, focusing on sectors that have lower

environmental impacts, such as renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. By incentivizing

investments in cleaner industries, Uzbekistan can reduce its reliance on fossil fuel-based
economic activities, which are significant contributors to CO2 emissions. Additionally, policies

that encourage the adoption of green technologies and energy-efficient practices within FDI-

driven industries can help reduce the environmental impacts of foreign investment.

Lastly, enhancing the regulatory framework to ensure better monitoring and enforcement

of environmental standards is crucial. The results indicate that while FDI inflows explain some

of the variability in CO2 emissions, other factors are also at play. Strengthening the country’s

environmental governance system could help ensure that foreign investments align with

Uzbekistan’s sustainability goals and contribute to long-term environmental well-being.

5. Limitations and Future Research Directions

While the study provides valuable insights into the relationship between FDI and CO2

emissions in Uzbekistan, there are several limitations that should be considered. First, the

model’s relatively low R-squared value suggests that other important factors influencing CO2


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emissions were not included in the analysis. Future research could expand the scope of the
model by incorporating additional variables such as energy consumption, trade openness,

domestic capital formation, and technological innovation to provide a more comprehensive

understanding of the determinants of CO2 emissions.

Additionally, this study primarily focused on CO2 emissions as a measure of

environmental degradation. Future research could explore other environmental indicators,

such as water pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss, to provide a more holistic

assessment of the environmental impacts of FDI in Uzbekistan.

Conclusion.

In summary, the study reveals a statistically significant positive relationship between FDI

inflows and CO2 emissions in Uzbekistan, highlighting the environmental challenges posed by
foreign investment. While FDI contributes to economic growth, it also has the potential to
increase environmental degradation, particularly in resource-intensive industries.

Policymakers in Uzbekistan must therefore strike a balance between attracting FDI and

promoting environmental sustainability by enforcing stricter regulations, incentivizing green

investments, and adopting cleaner technologies. Further research is needed to explore other
factors influencing environmental outcomes and to develop more effective strategies for

sustainable development in the context of increasing foreign investment.

References:

Abdurashidova, M., Balbaa, M., Nematov, S., Mukhiddinov, Z. & Nasriddinov, I. (2023). The

impact of innovation and digitalization on the quality of higher education: A study of selected

universities in Uzbekistan. Journal of Intelligent Systems, 32(1), 20230070.

https://doi.org/10.1515/jisys-2023-0070

Alvarado, R., & Toledo, E. (2017). Environmental degradation and economic growth:

evidence for a developing country. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 24(14), 13246-

13258.

Astanakulov Olim Tashtemirovich, Abdurakhmanova Gulnora Kalandarovna, Muhammad

Eid Balbaa, Goyipnazarov Sanjar Bakhodirovich, and Umidjon Dadabaev. 2022. ENSURING THE
SMOOTH OPERATION OF PHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES IN DISTRIBUTED

ENVIRONMENTS. In The 6th International Conference on Future Networks & Distributed Systems

(ICFNDS ’22), December 15, 2022, Tashkent, TAS, Uzbekistan. ACM, New York, NY, USA, 8 pages.

https://doi.org/10.1145/3584202.3584213

Astanakulov Olim Tashtemirovich, Muhammad Eid Balbaa, Foziljonov Ibrohimjon, Nilufar

Batirova. (2024). Investigating the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Digital Marketing Tactics

Strategies Using Neutrosophic Set. International Journal of Neutrosophic Science, 23 ( 3 ), 175-

183.

Balbaa, M. E. (2024). Socio-Economic Indicators and their Impact on Sustainable Economic

Development: An In-depth Analysis of Egypt. International Journal of Economics and Financial

Issues, 14(2), 136–145. https://doi.org/10.32479/ijefi.16016

Grossman, G. M., & Krueger, A. B. (1995). Economic growth and the environment. The

Quarterly Journal of Economics, 110(2), 353-377.

Jalil, A., & Mahmud, S. F. (2009). Environment Kuznets curve for CO2 emissions: A

cointegration analysis for China. Energy Policy, 37(12), 5167-5172.

Kivyiro, P., & Arminen, H. (2014). Carbon dioxide emissions, energy consumption, economic

growth, and foreign direct investment: Causality analysis for Sub-Saharan Africa. Energy, 74, 595-
606.

Muhammad Eid Balbaa, Astanakulov O. Tashtemirovich. (2023). Fusion-Based Econometric

Analysis: Assessing Investment Project Efficacy and Business Decision Making. Fusion: Practice

and Applications, 13 ( 2 ), 145-155.

https://doi.org/10.54216/FPA.130213


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II SON. 2024

48


Omri, A., & Kahouli, B. (2014). The nexus among foreign investment, domestic capital, and

economic growth: Empirical evidence from the MENA region. Research in Economics, 68(3), 257-

263.

Sadorsky, P. (2010). The impact of financial development on energy consumption in

emerging economies. Energy Policy, 38(5), 2528-2535.

Shahbaz, M., Lean, H. H., & Shabbir, M. S. (2012). Environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis in

Pakistan: Cointegration and Granger causality. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews,

16(5), 2947-2953.

Stern, D. I. (2004). The rise and fall of the Environmental Kuznets Curve. World Development,

32(8), 1419-1439.

Tang, C. F., & Tan, B. W. (2015). The impact of energy consumption, income, trade openness,

and foreign direct investment on carbon dioxide emissions in Malaysia. Energy, 90, 1497-1507.

Zhang, X.-P., & Cheng, X.-M. (2009). Energy consumption, carbon emissions, and economic

growth in China. Ecological Economics, 68(10), 2706-2712.

Библиографические ссылки

Abdurashidova, M., Balbaa, M., Nematov, S., Mukhiddinov, Z. & Nasriddinov, I. (2023). The impact of innovation and digitalization on the quality of higher education: A study of selected universities in Uzbekistan. Journal of Intelligent Systems, 32(1), 20230070. https://doi.org/10.1515/jisys-2023-0070

Alvarado, R., & Toledo, E. (2017). Environmental degradation and economic growth: evidence for a developing country. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 24(14), 13246-13258.

Astanakulov Olim Tashtemirovich, Abdurakhmanova Gulnora Kalandarovna, Muhammad Eid Balbaa, Goyipnazarov Sanjar Bakhodirovich, and Umidjon Dadabaev. 2022. ENSURING THE SMOOTH OPERATION OF PHYSICAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES IN DISTRIBUTED ENVIRONMENTS. In The 6th International Conference on Future Networks & Distributed Systems (ICFNDS ’22), December 15, 2022, Tashkent, TAS, Uzbekistan. ACM, New York, NY, USA, 8 pages. https://doi.org/10.1145/3584202.3584213

Astanakulov Olim Tashtemirovich, Muhammad Eid Balbaa, Foziljonov Ibrohimjon, Nilufar Batirova. (2024). Investigating the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Digital Marketing Tactics Strategies Using Neutrosophic Set. International Journal of Neutrosophic Science, 23 ( 3 ), 175-183.

Balbaa, M. E. (2024). Socio-Economic Indicators and their Impact on Sustainable Economic Development: An In-depth Analysis of Egypt. International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, 14(2), 136–145. https://doi.org/10.32479/ijefi.16016

Grossman, G. M., & Krueger, A. B. (1995). Economic growth and the environment. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 110(2), 353-377.

Jalil, A., & Mahmud, S. F. (2009). Environment Kuznets curve for CO2 emissions: A cointegration analysis for China. Energy Policy, 37(12), 5167-5172.

Kivyiro, P., & Arminen, H. (2014). Carbon dioxide emissions, energy consumption, economic growth, and foreign direct investment: Causality analysis for Sub-Saharan Africa. Energy, 74, 595-606.

Muhammad Eid Balbaa, Astanakulov O. Tashtemirovich. (2023). Fusion-Based Econometric Analysis: Assessing Investment Project Efficacy and Business Decision Making. Fusion: Practice and Applications, 13 ( 2 ), 145-155. https://doi.org/10.54216/FPA.130213

Omri, A., & Kahouli, B. (2014). The nexus among foreign investment, domestic capital, and economic growth: Empirical evidence from the MENA region. Research in Economics, 68(3), 257-263.

Sadorsky, P. (2010). The impact of financial development on energy consumption in emerging economies. Energy Policy, 38(5), 2528-2535.

Shahbaz, M., Lean, H. H., & Shabbir, M. S. (2012). Environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis in Pakistan: Cointegration and Granger causality. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 16(5), 2947-2953.

Stern, D. I. (2004). The rise and fall of the Environmental Kuznets Curve. World Development, 32(8), 1419-1439.

Tang, C. F., & Tan, B. W. (2015). The impact of energy consumption, income, trade openness, and foreign direct investment on carbon dioxide emissions in Malaysia. Energy, 90, 1497-1507. Zhang, X.-P., & Cheng, X.-M. (2009). Energy consumption, carbon emissions, and economic growth in China. Ecological Economics, 68(10), 2706-2712.