First Independent Mena Newspaper
Morocco’s 2014 Finance Act is seeking to tackle the issue of prevalent high unemployment while still faced with unfavorable global economic conditions. Although about 140,000 new positions have been created in recent months, the unemployment rate in the country hovers around 8 percent, while the rate reaches almost 18 percent among graduates and about 20 […]
The diplomatic tussle between Algiers and Rabat is showing no signs of dying down after the Algerian foreign minister urged Moroccan authorities to be up to the task. Minister Ramtane Lamamra called on Morocco to act accordingly after a trespasser scaled the Algerian consulate walls in Casablanca and tore its flag. Morocco and Algeria are […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]