Abstract: This paper examines an Egypt-US FTA from Egyptian perspective. It explores the choices facing negotiators and the probable implications of the most likely FTA scenario for Egypt. It considers three broad choices: a US-Israeli-style FTA focusing on the elimination of tariffs and restrictions; a broader agreement like the North- American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) […]
Abstract: “The Consumer Price Index (CPI)1 is an instrument designed to measure changes over time in the prices paid by households for goods and services which are customarily purchased for consumption2. Its principal objective is to reflect only pure price movement3”. That is to say, price changes due to quality differences, technological innovations, and different […]
Abstract: Egypt’s economic reform and structural adjustment program (ERSAP) was initiated in l99l to rectify the imbalances between the demand and supply sides of the economy. The main symptoms of these imbalances are the chronic deficits in the balance of payments and the government budget, and high inflation. This paper assesses the economic and social […]
Abstract: This paper analyzes the successful Egyptian stabilization experience during the 1990s, focusing on its distinctive features and contrasting them with the experience of recent developing country stabilizers. Successful stabilization provides a sound launching pad for Egypt’s acceleration of structural reforms aimed at durably raising the country’s economic growth.Following the gulf war, Egypt launched a […]
Abstract: The paper discuss the concept of usury and its evolution in economic thinking. Then it discusses the economic framework of the Islamic banking system and constructs a model that illustrates the distinctive characteristics of Islamic banking. The paper also attempts to examine the performance of Islamic banks as well as Islamic branches of conventional […]
Abstract: The paper discusses the possible impact of the Egypt-EU Agreement on the textile industry and ready- made garments in Egypt. It shows that Egypt has good export potential to EU markets. It also highlights that although trade liberalization resulting from the implementation of the GATT and the EU partnership agreement will increase Egypt’s access […]
Abstract: This paper discuses the possible impact of the Egypt-EU Agreement on the textile industry in Egypt and the policies needed to maximize Egypt’s benefits from this agreement. The Egypt-EU agreement is coming at a time when the textile industry enjoys a high comparative advantage but also suffers from many problems that prevent it from […]
Abstract Following an overview of the economic aspects of the ongoing globalization process, this paper documents the extent to which Arab economies have benefited from this process while minimizing the risks. It argues that there is considerable potential, as well as need, for these countries to integrate more fully into the world economy, thereby contributing […]
Improving Egypt’s Economic Performance: The Extent of the Market Is Limited by the Costs of Exchange
Abstract: This paper suggests a way to characterize the costs of exchange—what individuals have to give up in total resources, including money, time, and goods, to execute a transaction successfully. It also discusses some institutional reforms to lower these costs, and offers some suggestions to policy makers in Egypt. The costs of exchange are imposed […]
Abstract: The Mediterranean Partnership initiative was launched by the European Union (EU) in 1994 to achieve deeper regional integration—particularly through developing an area of free trade and cooperation—among the countries of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. This paper addresses questions on the effect of a free trade agreement (FTA) with the EU on […]