Economy and trade

Parliament puts price on Egyptian citizenship

A controversial bill that would allow foreign nationals to purchase Egyptian citizenship has passed through parliament and awaits the president’s signature.

Egypt

Sanctions threaten Iran's dream of becoming Eurasian transport hub

Lack of financing and the potential collapse of the nuclear deal threaten Iranian plans to complete the infrastructure necessary for the International North-South Transport Corridor.

Regional

Turkey’s one-man regime denied confidence vote by markets

The downturn in the Turkish economy looms as a major challenge for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as economic actors show little confidence in his new and sweeping powers and his selection of his son-in-law to manage the economy.

Turkey

Khamenei: Iran must expand ties with East as well as West

In a meeting with members of the Cabinet, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei emphasized the need for Iran to expand ties with both Eastern and Western nations.

United States

Momentum builds for Iran to meet global financial watchdog requirements

Iran’s political elite finally appear to have enough momentum to pass key measures to satisfy FATF’s demands for greater transparency and compliance with international standards, which will improve the changes of Iran and the European Union to build on their economic relations.

Iran

Egypt to build $11 billion petrochemical complex

As Egypt invests in refining crude oil at home, domestic fuel prices continue to rise.

Egypt

Egyptian banks to forgive interest on certain loans

The Central Bank of Egypt is willing to overlook the interest on some customers' loans to recover principal that otherwise might not be repaid.

Egypt

Will Islamic bonds help revive Egypt's economy?

Some economists say the government's plan to issue dollar-dominated and euro-dominated Islamic bonds will generate more financial resources, while others worry the move strays from Egypt's secular nature.

Egypt

Palestinians fear recent aid cuts could expand

After Australia decided to cut direct aid to the Palestinian Authority, officials are concerned other countries could follow suit.

Palestine

Iran’s economic crisis gives Rouhani chance to hit 'corrupt networks'

Rouhani should make use of the mandate that Iran’s supreme leader has given for further transparency, which will weaken corrupt networks that are harming the country more than any external enemy.

Iran

Iranian hard-liners smell blood as Rouhani under fire over economy

Iranian hard-liners continue to maneuver to not just undermine but wholly get rid of moderate President Hassan Rouhani.

Iran

Iran's car market engulfed in growing economic crisis

Crisis conditions bite into Iran’s car market, with customers forced to shell out higher prices for both foreign and domestically made vehicles.

Iran