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The introduction of compulsory medical coverage and a significant population increase have fuelled the growth of Abu Dhabi’s health care sector in recent years, with a number of new facilities opening. This expansion is expected to continue, with both the government and the private sector planning new hospitals for the near future. Indeed, although efforts continue to expand the private sector’s participation in the industry, government subsidised facilities still accounted for 74% of inpatient encounters in 2011. Meanwhile, the implementation of mandatory coverage is reshaping the sector; about 98% of UAE nationals and foreign workers living in Abu Dhabi have medical insurance, a rate that is unparalleled in the GCC region.

The construction industry has been a major driver of growth in recent years as Gabon has made moves to upgrade its infrastructure. These include major road projects, two new hydroelectric dams, port extensions and the construction of a new international terminal at Port-Gentil International Airport. Housing projects have also been important given the estimated deficit of 200,000 homes nationwide. In spite of this high demand – and, indeed, a need for affordable housing – the real estate market has been largely backed by luxury housing projects. The government has in recent years sought to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles in the real estate sector and created several new institutions to aid in the sector’s development. This chapter contains an interview with Yannick Mokanda, Director-General, National Agency for Urban Planning, Topographical Works and Land Registry (ANUTTC).

Key reforms implemented in the aftermath of the 2008-09 financial crisis have created a more flexible and resilient banking sector, just as the economy entered a period of slow growth in 2012. While the sector has expanded dramatically over the past two years, banks faced a liquidity squeeze in 2012 that has reduced the pace of growth. Over the long term, however, Mongolia’s leading banks stand to benefit from a rebound, although they will need to mobilise fresh sources of capital to sustain expanding loan books. To encourage higher non-interest income on banks’ balance sheets, provisions have been made for new sources of fee-based revenue, such as the sale of insurance. Larger banks have secured the necessary funds to maintain lending at a slower pace until economic growth rebounds, although persistent inflation is likely to keep nominal lending rates prohibitively high. While foreign banks are positioning themselves in the market through loans, credit lines and equity stakes to support the corporate sector, more sustainable investment is expected to come in the form of securities issuance offshore. This chapter includes interviews with N. Zoljargal, Governor of the Bank of Mongolia, and M. Bold, President of the Mongolian Bankers Association.

Under the previous and current five-year plans of 2005-09 and 2010-14, a major government objective has been the modernisation and expansion of Algeria’s transport networks. With some €229bn having been allocated to the development of railways, airports, public transport, roadways and ports, major public works projects are under way to facilitate mobility, reduce congestion and encourage the use of more environmentally friendly transport. The country has seen a sizeable expansion of air transit in recent years, in both the passenger and cargo segments. In terms of the rail segment, some 2000 km of projects are now under way, while studies are looking at another 5000 km of potential rail links. As these projects take shape, international firms will play a key role in the development and management of transport systems. This chapter contains an interview with Jean-Marc Janaillac, Chairman of the Management Board, RATP Dev.

OBG introduces the reader to the different aspects of the legal system in Morocco, in partnership with Kettani Law Firm. Nadia Kettani, Partner, Kettani Law Firm, talks to OBG.