Regional development and the impact of the commercial services upon territorial inequalities

Daniela Antonescu () and Ioana Cristina Florescu
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Ioana Cristina Florescu: Institute of National Economy, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania

Romanian Journal of Economics, 2025, vol. 60, issue 1(69), 162-196

Abstract: This study explores the role of commercial services in shaping territorial inequalities across Romania’s eight development regions. Economic disparities have been a persistent challenge, and understanding the impact of trade-related indicators on regional development is essential. The objective of this research is to analyze how the number of employees in trade, trade sector salaries, the number of enterprises, and regional GDP contribute to these inequalities. The methodology involves a quantitative approach, utilizing regional statistical data to examine trends and variations in key economic indicators.By assessing their evolution over time, this study identifies patterns of economic divergence and convergence among the regions. The results indicate significant disparities between the more developed regions, such as Bucharest-Ilfov and North-West, and less developed areas like North-East and South-West Oltenia. The number of enterprises and employees in trade, as well as salary levels, show a direct correlation with regional GDP, emphasizing the uneven distribution of economic activity. This research contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of the trade sector’s role in territorial inequalities. The originality of the study lies in its empirical approach, highlighting the impact of commercial services as a driver of economic polarization and regional imbalances.

Keywords: resilience; regional development; territorial inequalities; trade sector; Romania (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: R10 R50 R51 R58 R59 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ine:journl:v:60:y:2025:i:69:p:162-196

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