First Independent Mena Newspaper
The modest economic growth made by North African countries during the past decade preceding the Arab Spring did not help them to create enough jobs for the young. In this region, the unemployment rate among the 15 to 24 year-old age group is on average 23 pc, which is three to four times higher than […]
A stronger trade and economic integration among the countries of the Middle East and North Africa is an essential reform that is likely to deliver economic growth on a scale and timetable that would create enough jobs and prosperity for the rapidly growing populations in these countries. “More trade integration would not only create growth […]
Tunisia’s government has blocked the launch of a new airline company dubbed “Jasmin Airways” which was initially set to operate early 2013. The Tunisian ministry of transport did not grant the new airline operating rights, apparently fearing tough competition and seeking to protect flag carrier Tunisair (TU) suffering deep losses. “The creation of Jasmin Airways […]
The EU has issued lately its revised import preference scheme – known as the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) – for developing countries most in need which will take effect from 1 January 2014. The new list of beneficiaries from GSP does not include North African countries: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco & Tunisia. With […]
The revolt that brought an end to Hosni Mubarak’s presidency also prorogued the departure of investors and tourists in Egypt. To regain the 14.5 million visitors that generated 12.5 billion dollars, the actual tourism minister announced that lands will be auctioned for tourist developments. According to him “28 million sq meters will be put on […]
The tourism sector in Tunisia which was unstable since the Yasmine revolution has recorded a good performance during the first nine months of 2012 and according to the latest figures released by the Ministry of Tourism, some 4.4 million tourists visited the country from January 1 to September 20, posting a 32 percent increase compared […]
British businessmen representing several industrial, commercial and economic sectors will visit Algeria from 10th to 14th November to discuss with their Algerian peers & officials joint business opportunities offered in the North African Country, one of the world major oil and gas producers. Trade in goods between the two countries was worth over 3.2 $ […]
The private equity sector in Morocco and Tunisia has received a $ 26.1 million grant from the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD) to support the development of the private equity market in two North African countries, rocked by the Arab Spring. The financial assistance will also serve to rev up equity funding for […]
Egypt and Malaysia look forward to setting up a free trade zone to boost the weak trade exchanges between the countries having great economic potentials and huge consumer markets. The two countries trade ministers have agreed to start negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) expected to lead to a progressive liberalization of trade between […]
Few months after the collapse of the despotic regime of Muamar Gadhafi and despite the difficult democratic transition the new Libya is experiencing, several foreign businessmen operating in various industrial and services sectors are packing and preparing for their return to this North African country, dubbed “land of opportunities”. Despite the recent unrest, there is […]