Business Emerging Markets Features

How to Attract FDI to Maghreb: Casablanca Financial City a la ‘Shenzhen’

When in January 2013 the chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Christine Lagarde, attended the 5th international conference of finance ministers and central banks governors of the Maghreb countries, she talked about the necessity of boosting growth and employment within the region, while also reminding the distinguished audience that political issues still constitute a […]

Features Headlines Libya

Libya – a Tourist Hotspot in the Making?

Despite many hurdles ranging from armed militia, fragile government to terrorism, Libya’s tourist minister, Ikram Abdulsalam Imam, believes that his country has the potential to become a new North Africa tourist hotspot. Although Libya is undoubtedly rich in places worth seeking, including 1,000 beaches, ancient Roman and Greek ruins, or palm-fringed oases, the world is […]

Features Headlines Morocco

Human Rights: Morocco does not need to take any lessons from anybody (King)

Morocco does not need to take lessons on human rights from anybody, and especially not from those who “systematically” violate these rights, said Morocco’s king Mohammed VI on Wednesday. “Morocco refuses to receive lessons on the subject (of human rights), especially from those who systematically violate human rights. Anyone wishing to outbid Morocco has to […]

Algeria Features Headlines

Algeria and Serbia seek closer economic ties

Economic committees from Algeria and Serbia will be meeting to discuss means of further developing the economic cooperation between their respective countries in Belgrade. Prior to their meeting, Serbia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic and Algerian Minister of Water Resources Hocine Necib met to discuss bilateral relations they share. Algiers is very supportive of […]

Algeria Features Headlines

Algeria’s Steel Giant to Be De-Facto Nationalized

The Algerian government has been interested in buying additional 21% shares in the Annaba unit of the steel producing company, ArcelorMittal, for 200 million USD. As the state already owns 30% of the firm, such a transaction would make the Algerian government a de facto majority shareholder and owner of ArcelorMittal. The government reportedly wants […]

Asia Features International

Rounding Up Migrants: Saudi Arabia’s ‘Abusive’ Labor System Condemned

Saudi Arabia rounded up thousands of newcomer workers following the expiration of an amnesty introducing new employment rules. It is estimated that about a million of Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Filipinos, Nepalese, and Yemenis have left the country in the last three months in contrast to four millions of other workers who managed to get a […]

Africa Features International

Africa: Security Challenges Require Global, Integrated Approach

The security challenges posed to parts of the Atlantic Basin, particularly in Africa, by extremist ideology, weak institutions, economic uncertainty, and weak rule of law require a global and integrated approach that promotes socio-economic development. This is one of the conclusions reached by the Atlantic Dialogues 2013, an annual global issue forum that was held […]

Features Headlines Tunisia

Tunisia: Monday deadline for a new Prime Minister

Tunisian political parties have been unable to choose a new Prime Minister during their week long negotiations. Monday has been fixed as the new deadline for them. Some members of the opposition are accusing Ennahda of delaying the process in order to stay longer in power. Several names have been considered as potential candidates in […]

Columns Features Opinions

Priorities Anyone? – Obama’s Egypt Problem Isn’t Going To Go Away

It was an excruciating experience for observers and journalists alike. Following the coup of 3 July 2013 and the quiet consolidation of power by army chief al-Sissi, the United States had to weigh its future policy vis-à-vis Egypt carefully. But nobody quite expected the diplomatic tussle that followed – an administration unwilling to recognise a […]

Business Energy Features

Libya: Protesters defy government agreement

Shortly after Prime Minister Ali Zeidan announced on Wednesday that the Al-Harriga terminal which has a production capacity of 110,000 barrels will resume production and exportation after reaching an agreement with the protesters. Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) published on its website that it has lifted the force majeure on the oil terminal on Thursday. […]