Good Arab Projections in Economic Prospects Report

An atrium is seen at the World Bank headquarters building during the IMF/World Bank annual meetings in Washington, US, October 14, 2017. Reuters file photo
An atrium is seen at the World Bank headquarters building during the IMF/World Bank annual meetings in Washington, US, October 14, 2017. Reuters file photo
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Good Arab Projections in Economic Prospects Report

An atrium is seen at the World Bank headquarters building during the IMF/World Bank annual meetings in Washington, US, October 14, 2017. Reuters file photo
An atrium is seen at the World Bank headquarters building during the IMF/World Bank annual meetings in Washington, US, October 14, 2017. Reuters file photo

The growth rate in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is expected to rise to 1.9 percent in 2019, the World Bank announced this week.

“Despite slower global trade growth and tighter external financing conditions, domestic factors, particularly policy reforms, are anticipated to bolster growth in the region,” it said.

Furthermore, growth among oil exporters is expected to "pick up slightly" this year as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) accelerates to a 2.6 percent rate from 2 percent in 2018, according to the World Bank’s January 2019 Global Economic Prospects report.

"Robust agricultural production and tourism have helped support growth of the oil importers in the region, especially Morocco and Tunisia," it said.

According to the report, Morocco and Tunisia are expected to witness growth of consecutively 3.2 and 2.6 percent.



Saudi Arabia, Comoros Sign MoU on Economic Cooperation

The MoU underscores the exchange of knowledge to boost economic collaboration. SPA
The MoU underscores the exchange of knowledge to boost economic collaboration. SPA
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Saudi Arabia, Comoros Sign MoU on Economic Cooperation

The MoU underscores the exchange of knowledge to boost economic collaboration. SPA
The MoU underscores the exchange of knowledge to boost economic collaboration. SPA

The Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning and the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Investment of Comoros have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for enhancing and diversifying economic cooperation based on mutual interest.
The MoU, signed by the Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim and Minister of Economy, Industry, and Investment of the Comoros Moustoifa H. Mohamed, outlines key objectives aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

It underscores the exchange of knowledge to boost economic collaboration, fostering communication and cooperation between government entities and the private sector.
The MoU also seeks to facilitate visits, communications, and events that promote interaction between individuals, officials, and economic institutions. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of supporting the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in bilateral economic activities.