The Middle East

A drive under way in Saudi Arabia to encourage businesses to invest in farming operations abroad could see the Kingdom improve food security and increase investment opportunities.

The emirate’s external trade figures hit record levels in 2012, assisted by its strong transport and logistics infrastructure and underpinned by areas of the economy that remain in recovery mode. Attention is now turning to widening the scope of trading partners to further strengthen this important sector.

As hydrocarbons’ contribution to Kuwait’s GDP is predicted to fall this year, growth is increasingly seen as hinging on the success of an ambitious state investment programme. However, concerns over delays to its implementation have raised questions as to how significantly it will boost GDP.

Despite fierce competition in a crowded market, Saudi Arabia’s telecoms sector should see continued growth, driven largely by the expanding mobile internet and fixed broadband segments, according to recent reports from local investment groups. The Kingdom’s tech-savvy, high-income, younger generation, in particular, is earmarked to play a major part in boosting spending on data services and related products.

Despite slowing growth and expectations of a widening current account deficit this year, investors do not appear to be shying away from the Turkish economy, particularly as the easing of political tensions is likely to yield an upgrade in the country’s investment ratings.

Following GDP growth of 2.8% in 2012 according to IMF numbers, up slightly on 2011, Jordan is working to maintain similar expansion this year, despite a drop in foreign grants and a simultaneous rise in its energy bill.