Algeria continues to face important challenges posed by the fall in oil prices four years ago. Despite a sizeable fiscal consolidation in 2017, the fiscal and current account deficits remain large. Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth slowed sharply, mainly driven by a contraction in hydrocarbon production, although growth in the non-hydrocarbon sector was stable….
The Tunisian economy has showed signs of recovery in the first quarter of 2018, with the highest growth since 2014 supported by agriculture and exports. Besides due to the more flexible exchange rates, the current account deficit has also improved to some extent. However, at the same time, risks to macroeconomic stability, especially inflation, have…
In its economic diversification strategy, the Algerian government gives the industrial sector a very high priority, particularly with regard to the mining industry. According to the figures released by the National Agency of Investment Development (ANDI), the overall industrial domain benefited from 88.32 percent of the domestic and foreign investment received in this sector during…
For Slim Riahi, the fall of 2017 is gradually turning into a nightmare. It’s clearly his black autumn. Coming under the scrutiny of law enforcement agencies for more than six months, the business tycoon is slowly withdrawing from public life and isolating himself — probably against his will. At the peak of his career, Riahi,…
The Algerian pharmaceutical sector, which depended upon massive imports to fulfill medical supply needs, is now on a path of rapid and positive progression. With an aim of improving the local medicine and medical supply needs, and to acquire scientific, technological and technical know-how, Algeria is working on important partnerships with foreign players in the…
TRENDS speaks to Mamoun Hmedan, Managing Director for MENA and India, Wego, about the major trends that will rule the tourism sector in 2018 and how technology has changed the way industry works. How has the year 2017 been for the tourism sector? The MENA region stood out for a number of reasons. Egypt, for…
2017 was exceptional on many fronts for the region’s largest and most diversified derivatives bourse, Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX). Throughout 2017, DGCX recorded new trading highs, launched unique and innovative products and product-related initiatives, grew its strategic partnerships, received regulatory recognitions and industry plaudits too. Balanced blend of achievements In 2017, the DGCX,…
Global experience clearly demonstrates that the heritage built by the founders declines or even disappears in the case of family business groups, which are currently being run under the leadership of the third generation of the founder’s family. However, on the contrary, in the case of business tycoon Haj Youssef Bayahi, who passed away in…
Indian millennial tourists are opting for a little and often approach when it comes to traveling, according to a recent survey, urging GCC hoteliers and travel professionals, who will undoubtedly use Arabian Travel Market 2018 as a platform to showcase their facilities and promotional offers, in an attempt to capture a share of this multi-million…
Led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia is fast moving on the path of diversification thereby reducing the country’s reliance on hydrocarbons. In the past few months, many initiatives have been taken to ensure a wholesome development of the country, while building a global reputation. However, it needs a greater effort to ensure…
