Harnessing Trade Opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa

Jean-Pierre Chauffour and Bernard M.

No PP2013/07, RSCAS Working Papers from European University Institute

Abstract: Greater integration into the international economy is a key means through which countries in the Middle East and North Africa can reap the benefits of already existing market opportunities to accelerate economic growth and job creation. An effective economic integration strategy requires complementing reductions in trade barriers with policy reforms to ensure that markets become more competitive (contestable for new entrants) and that operating and transactions costs for firms fall. This paper argues that there are two overarching priority areas for trade-related reforms in many Arab countries: reducing formal trade barriers further, and lowering trade costs through trade facilitation measures and improving “connectivity” for firms, including deeper regional economic integration.

Keywords: Trade and development; Arab economies; economic integration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013-06
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ara and nep-int
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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