The Middle East

A drive to restructure Turkey’s agricultural sector that includes ambitious plans to expand fruit and vegetable production is set to open the door for foreign investors looking to meet growing demand back home. Plans to drill new geothermal wells this year to help boost greenhouse production should further increase exports. However, the expansion is also prompting concerns that the introduction of new technology could lead to job losses.

The UAE’s central bank has postponed plans to implement a cap on mortgage lending, a move welcomed by Dubai bankers who had been concerned the tight restrictions originally proposed could limit lending growth just as the real estate sector is showing signs of recovery in certain sub-sectors.

Ongoing energy concerns continue to plague Jordanian manufacturers despite an overall resilient performance from the sector in 2012. As the country grapples with slow economic growth, subdued international investment and a mounting public budget deficit, industrialists are working to combat a new wave of electricity tariffs that have already contributed to a rise in production costs.

The introduction of mobile number portability (MNP) in Qatar, a move the industry regulator says will boost competition, may indeed provide a boost for Vodafone Qatar, but with mobile penetration already at 165%, MBP may not be enough to completely level the playing field.

A recent decision by a parliamentary committee is expected to clear the way for the privatisation of Kuwait’s national airline, which in turn could reinvigorate a long-stalled programme to open up ownership of other state enterprises – or at least parts of them – to the private sector.

Efforts to raise the profile of farmers and their produce in Abu Dhabi are gathering strength as the emirate steps up its bid to generate greater food production. Addressing the challenges stemming from the UAE’s arid climate and limited water supply forms a key component of the emirate’s agriculture drive and is expected to facilitate Abu Dhabi’s plans to to roll out extensive development projects in the coming years.