Economic Integration in the Maghreb

Economic Integration in the Maghreb
Author: Mr.Alexei P Kireyev
Publisher: International Monetary Fund
Total Pages: 47
Release: 2019-02-13
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1484378377

Individual countries of the Maghreb have achieved substantial progress on trade, but, as a region they remain the least integrated in the world. The share of intraregional trade is less than 5 percent of their total trade, substantially lower than in all other regional trading blocs around the world. Geopolitical considerations and restrictive economic policies have stifled regional integration. Economic policies have been guided by country-level considerations, with little attention to the region, and are not coordinated. Restrictions on trade and capital flows remain substantial and constrain regional integration for the private sector.

Aftermath of the Arab Uprisings

Aftermath of the Arab Uprisings
Author: Jerry M. Rosenberg
Publisher: Hamilton Books
Total Pages: 213
Release: 2012-08-02
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0761859470

The 2011 Arab uprisings are integrated into the movement to create a regional economic community for a potential twenty-eight nations, with nearly 500 million citizens. A reinvented Marshall Plan, supported internationally, is forthcoming. This updated book provides strategic models to develop the organizations required. In the end, stability and a raised living standard will evolve. As you point out, there is an opportunity to define the future of the Middle East in terms of reconciliation and coexistence rather than confrontation and violence. There are no limits to what can be done if the region's energy and talents can be channeled into creating new opportunities and building a land as bountiful and peaceful as it is holy. —Bill Clinton, former President of the United States Praise for Jerry Rosenberg's Nation-Building: A Middle East Recovery Program: To Jerry M. Rosenberg- With much respect for his attempt to organize a great dream. I believe you have addressed yourself to the very foundations which will lie at the heart of the future of the region and I hope indeed that the day is not far off when the plan will be brought to realization. —Shimon Peres, former Prime Minster of Israel [Nation-Building provides] insights into the interplay of underlying variables, encompassing significant regional, global, religious, secular, socio-political, and historical factors, of the permeability of the Middle East. —el-Sayed el-Aswad, Ph.D., The University of Bahrain, Digest of Middle East Studies I hope, by drawing on the Marshall Plan, you are able to formulate a blueprint that can succeed in the Middle East. I further hope that you are able to use the Marshall Plan to illustrate to others how such plans have been successful in the past, and how, despite the daunting odds, such a plan could create economic growth, democracy, and peace in our region. I wish you much success in your important work. —Natan Sharansky, former Deputy Prime Minister of Israel

Is MENA a Region? The Scope for Regional Integration

Is MENA a Region? The Scope for Regional Integration
Author: Mr.Stanley Fischer
Publisher: International Monetary Fund
Total Pages: 26
Release: 1996-04-01
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1451980361

The paper analyzes the scope and implications of greater economic integration in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). After reviewing whether MENA satisfies the defining characteristics of a region, it documents the low level of regional economic interaction. It argues that gains from greater regional interactions will depend primarily on implementing domestic reform and external policies that, in any case, are needed for the region to benefit from the broader process of globalization of the world economy. It also discusses measures aimed directly at facilitating regional interaction.

Maghreb Regional and Global Integration

Maghreb Regional and Global Integration
Author: Gary Clyde Hufbauer
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Total Pages: 215
Release: 2008-10-01
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0881324949

Increasing terrorist activity has led the Maghreb countries—Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, and Libya—to focus on antiterrorism efforts, unintentionally at the expense of full-fledged economic reform. These countries have tightened their border restrictions on the flow of people and goods, reducing commerce and depressing economic activity. In fact, Maghreb has one of the lowest rates of intra-regional trade in the world; other factors like rigid economic structures, slow productivity growth, and modest investment levels continue to stymie progress toward economic integration. Do these countries' diverse circumstances symbolize insurmountable obstacles in achieving economic cooperation and an improved standard of living for citizens? How can the United States and European Union facilitate economic progress? Maghreb Regional and Global Integration: A Dream to Be Fulfilled utilizes two distinct econometric tools to assess four key sectors—energy, banking and insurance, transport, and agribusiness—and outlines achievable sector-specific recommendations. This book not only assesses the gains from economic integration among the Maghreb countries, but also focuses on the tangible benefits from enhanced economic ties between the region and the world economy. With this critical analysis, the authors provide an in-depth look at practical measures such as bilateral trade and investment agreements, regional arrangements, and financial assistance that can significantly boost short-term success and ensure long-term gains through integration in an unstable region.

The Economic Impact of Conflicts and the Refugee Crisis in the Middle East and North Africa

The Economic Impact of Conflicts and the Refugee Crisis in the Middle East and North Africa
Author: Mr.Bjoern Rother
Publisher: International Monetary Fund
Total Pages: 43
Release: 2016-09-16
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1475535783

In recent decades, the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) has experienced more frequent and severe conflicts than in any other region of the world, exacting a devastating human toll. The region now faces unprecedented challenges, including the emergence of violent non-state actors, significant destruction, and a refugee crisis bigger than any since World War II. This paper raises awareness of the economic costs of conflicts on the countries directly involved and on their neighbors. It argues that appropriate macroeconomic policies can help mitigate the impact of conflicts in the short term, and that fostering higher and more inclusive growth can help address some of the root causes of conflicts over the long term. The paper also highlights the crucial role of external partners, including the IMF, in helping MENA countries tackle these challenges.

Global Trends 2040

Global Trends 2040
Author: National Intelligence Council
Publisher: Cosimo Reports
Total Pages: 158
Release: 2021-03
Genre:
ISBN: 9781646794973

"The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic marks the most significant, singular global disruption since World War II, with health, economic, political, and security implications that will ripple for years to come." -Global Trends 2040 (2021) Global Trends 2040-A More Contested World (2021), released by the US National Intelligence Council, is the latest report in its series of reports starting in 1997 about megatrends and the world's future. This report, strongly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, paints a bleak picture of the future and describes a contested, fragmented and turbulent world. It specifically discusses the four main trends that will shape tomorrow's world: - Demographics-by 2040, 1.4 billion people will be added mostly in Africa and South Asia. - Economics-increased government debt and concentrated economic power will escalate problems for the poor and middleclass. - Climate-a hotter world will increase water, food, and health insecurity. - Technology-the emergence of new technologies could both solve and cause problems for human life. Students of trends, policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, journalists and anyone eager for a glimpse into the next decades, will find this report, with colored graphs, essential reading.

Rulers, Religion, and Riches

Rulers, Religion, and Riches
Author: Jared Rubin
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 297
Release: 2017-02-16
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 110703681X

This book seeks to explain the political and religious factors leading to the economic reversal of fortunes between Europe and the Middle East.

Regional Economic Integration in the Middle East and North Africa

Regional Economic Integration in the Middle East and North Africa
Author: Mustapha Rouis
Publisher: World Bank Publications
Total Pages: 209
Release: 2012-12-11
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 082139729X

This book summarizes the constraints to and opportunities for deepening economic integration within the MENA region and beyond. Trade and investment reform are discussed together with physical connectivity, cross-border trade facilitation, infrastructure networks, and the vital role of logistics.