Abstract Morocco and Tunisia have both recently signed comprehensive integration agreements with the European Union (EU). These agreements consist of increased aid and technical assistance from the EU, in exchange for reductions in trade barriers over a period of 12 years on the p art of Morocco and Tunisia. The agreements are part of a […]
Abstract: This paper contrasts regional preferential economic agreements of the traditional sort with those that have emerged in recent years. In addition, it assesses the implications of the Euro-Med initiatives for the Middle East.The paper argues that the new preferential trade agreements (PTAs) have the potential to generate greater economic growth impacts than traditional free […]
Abstract: This paper examines the economic and political incentives for regional integration, focusing, from an Egyptian perspective, on whether the preferential trade agreements with the EU will stimulate trade liberalization in the Middle East and North Africa and serve to promote trade within the region itself, particularly with the Israeli/Palestinian/Jordanian triad. It also assesses current […]
Abstract: Reusing returning water provides Egypt with a solution to the detrimental effect of water shortage on its economic development. However, the degraded quality of returning water creates a serious environmental hazard which subsequently limits its reuse. Several legislative and institutional measures have been taken to enhance the quality of returning water and conserve the […]
Abstract: The Agreement under negotiation between Egypt and the EU will affect the industrial sector and the rest of the Egyptian Economy in a significant way. It will entail phasing out tariffs on Egyptian imports from the EU-form which Egypt imports about half of its total inports-to zero over a 12-year period. The paper explores […]
Abstract: The Arab countries spend more public resources on education than any region in the world, but the outcome in terms of human resource development is one of the poorest, especial ly relative to their income level. This paper explores four possible hypotheses to explain this paradox: (i) social indicators in the oil exporters are […]
Abstract: Although the incentive structure facing the private and public sectors in Egypt has improved following the economic liberalization of the early 1990s, real economic growth has been modest. This paper contends that the sluggish response to improved incentives is due in part to policy uncertainty and the high transaction costs of conducting business; these […]