2. Previous studies and our contribution
Although there are a large number of previous studies that examine trade integration
using the gravity trade model, the studies on the trade integration in the Mekong
region, which includes least-developed countries (LDCs), are so limited. In this section,
we first outline the literature development on the gravity trade model, then represent
the studies in which the gravity model is adopted for examining the trade integration
in the Mekong region, and finally clarify our study’s contribution.