Economy and trade

Why Turkey’s new economic program failed to impress

The Turkish government’s hallmark rejection of self-criticism affects consistency and realism in its diagnoses of economic woes and the remedies it plans.

Turkey

Is Jordan ready to normalize ties with Syria?

Syrian and Jordanian officials are in technical talks about reopening their border for trade purposes, but analysts have noted Amman's wariness about normalizing relations for fear of its possible effect on relations with its Arab and Gulf allies.

Jordan

Can Tunisia handle public sector strike?

While the Central Bank of Tunisia recommends taking exceptional measures to deal with the alarming economic situation by imposing new rules on banks to measure the ability to meet their engagements, there is fear the country could go bankrupt especially as labor unions are threatening to go on strike.

Tunisia

Palestine stock exchange defies all odds

The Palestine Securities Exchange (PEX) announced profits of around $167 million in the first half of 2018; however, the general economic situation in Palestine is going downhill.

Palestine

Will Egypt get handle on its public debt?

Parliamentary committees are making noise about plans to address Egypt's public debt, in part by establishing mechanisms to optimize the use of loans and grants.

Egypt

What rial devaluation means for Iranian government

While the devaluation of the rial has had a negative impact on Iranian society, it has the potential to help key economic players — including the government and the Central Bank — to gain a new and sustainable balance in their finances.

Iran

Surging prices may push Iran's housing sector back into recession

While property prices in Iran have jumped following turmoil across the economy, the sector is headed for another recession as the number of actual deals is dropping.

Iran

Economic ties going strong between Israel, Palestine

Palestinian-Israeli economic relations seem unaffected by the political stalemate hindering peace talks between the two sides.

Palestine

Egypt's horse exports growing now that most bans are lifted

Now that many countries no longer ban imports of Egyptian horses, the government expects the country to become a hub for investment in purebred Arabian horses.

Egypt

Lawmakers to study how Egypt's civil servants are paid

The majority coalition in Egypt’s parliament wants to amend the civil service law to increase what government employees are paid, while some experts and economic observers believe the state ought to instead create a work environment that discourages incompetent civil servants.

Egypt

Why is Egypt canceling T-bond auctions?

For the second time this year, the Egyptian government canceled the sale of treasury bonds after banks demanded higher interest rates.

Egypt

Why Iranians are lured by Georgian delights

Iranians from different walks of life seek investment opportunities and residency in Georgia, thinking it would be a gateway to Europe — but is it that easy?

Iran