Economy and trade

Palestine, Morocco forging first bilateral economic pact

For the first time independently of the Arab League, Palestine and Morocco have agreed to develop their trade exchange, which currently favors Morocco heavily.

Palestine

Growing esports market has huge potential in Mideast

The video gaming industry is gaining ground in the Middle East, as its popularity and prize money continue to grow.

Regional

Israel's economy faces uncertain future

Employment and wage figures are excellent, inflation is low and the country’s credit rating is high, but the growing deficit will require Israel’s next government to cut expenditures or raise taxes — or both.

Israel

Turkey becomes new dump for global plastic waste

Due to lax regulations, plastic scrap imports to Turkey have skyrocketed since 2018; why is the AKP letting the country turn into a global wastebasket?

Turkey

Egyptian-Turkish trade: A love-hate relationship

Egypt's free trade agreement with Turkey ends in 2020, but it is unclear whether it will be renewed in light of the political antipathy between the two countries' leaders.

Egypt

Lebanon university strike threatens students’ futures

As the Lebanese parliament is considering austerity measures that would see public wages slashed, the Lebanese University continues its open-ended strike, with students missing classes for weeks now.

Lebanon

Iran sticks to 'Look to the East' doctrine amid frustration with Europe

As Europeans continue to let it down, Iran is increasingly focused on its "Look to the East" doctrine, grabbing every chance to boost trade with China, India and Japan.

Iran

Can Erdogan mend fences with US, Europe while saving face?

Turkey is seeking to improve relations with the West to stave off further damage to its ailing economy, but wants to do so without appearing to concede any ground or make concessions.

Syria

Iran plays Pakistan, China against India as Modi turns to Trump

India’s apparent decision to go along with the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran could negatively impact its relationship with Tehran, including in regard to the Chabahar port project.

United States

Are banks in Gaza jeopardizing economic sector?

Banks are limiting their facilities in the Gaza Strip, which reflects badly on the already ailing economy.

Palestine

How feasible is Khamenei’s economic doctrine for Iran?

In one of his most comprehensive explanations of his economic doctrine, Iran’s supreme leader outlined his focus on self-sufficiency, import substitution, putting an end to oil dependence and prioritizing the agricultural sector.

Iran

Central Bank: 2019 will be difficult for Tunisian banks

Tunisia's financial and political quarters worry about an imminent liquidity crisis threatening the banking sector.

Tunisia