Economy and trade

Turkey grapples with big trade deficit with China

Amid Washington’s trade war on China, Ankara is also grumbling about a massive trade gap with Beijing, but a number of factors stand in Turkey's way to resolve the deficit.

Turkey

After finalizing IMF loan, Egypt’s reforms target industrialization, exports

An IMF mission, currently in Cairo to review Egypt’s economic reform program under a $12 billion loan, is focusing on the country’s plan to launch structural reforms, targeting the industrial and export sectors.

Egypt

Iranian National Oil Company opens office in Iraq

Tehran expands its economic and political influence in Iraq via its National Iranian Oil Company.

Iraq

PA wants to break free from reliance on Israeli electricity

Jordan and the Palestinian Authority are about to sign an agreement under which the kingdom would supply electricity to the West Bank.

Palestine

Istanbul election rerun brings Turkey fresh economic turmoil

The cancellation of the opposition victory in the mayoral race in Istanbul has raised the specter of more trouble for the Turkish economy, which is already grappling with recession and currency-related tumult.

Turkey

Egypt’s private sector to revamp 150 historic buildings in Cairo

The Egyptian government is drawing up a plan to turn over historic buildings to the public sector to help refurbish them and rent them out

Egypt

Will Gaza contractors be able to resolve their crisis?

The losses incurred in the construction sector in the Gaza Strip since 2007 have prompted the Palestinian Contractors Union to plan a September exhibition with the goal of promoting this sector; success in this endeavor, however, may hinge on the Palestinian Authority.

Palestine

Boys' rescue from forest provides bright spot for Turks

The rescue of two boys, ages 4 and 5, from a forest brought a modicum of hope the day after May Day to Turkish union members and others who have seen their buying power dwindle and are still seeing the nation's governing party trying to reverse the results of the March 31 Istanbul mayor election.

Turkey

Intel: How Russia and Turkey are growing closer at US expense

The April 30 phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan covered a broad range of topics, from trade to military cooperation to Syria, as the two countries continue to grow closer amid US-Turkey tensions.

Syria

Russia consolidating its position in Iraq amid anti-Iran sanctions

Russian and Iraqi officials convened in Baghdad for another bilateral commission session to discuss energy and security cooperation amid US anti-Iran sanctions.

Iraq

Gaza’s Justice Ministry has a new delivery service

For the first time, judicial notification and papers in Gaza will be delivered by a private company.

Palestine

High cost of death haunts Egyptians

The high cost of living in Egypt has extended to dying, and burial has gotten too expensive for the poor.

Egypt