The Middle East

Qatar and its northern island neighbour Bahrain have agreed to enhance regional co-operation by building closer links across the 45 km of seawater that separates them. The latest statements from the two countries' governments indicate that the proposed Qatar-Bahrain Friendship Bridge, discussed on and off for the past three years, is currently on again.

With the seizure by Turkish authorities of some 219 companies belonging to the Uzan Group mid-February, the final chapters in one of the country's most controversial corporate sagas appeared to be closing this week. Now, many are wondering what next, as the state's new portfolio gets examined, and prospects for a lucrative fire sale get aired.

Recently, the OBG conducted an exclusive interview with Abdulla bin Khalid al-Attiya, the governor of the Qatari central bank. With the resultant discussion covering many aspects of finance and banking within the country, the OBG is proud to present extracts from this interview in the following briefing.

While most Qataris would probably say that last year's US-led invasion of Iraq had little impact on their country's booming, gas-fuelled economy, it has made for major changes in at least one area - the labour market.

Last week, Doha became the first Arab capital to formally announce its intention to write off some of the massive debt burden incurred by Iraq during the past 25 years. While most analysts see the move as having little effect on either the Qatari or Iraqi economy, it is nonetheless being seen as an important first step in encouraging other Arab nations to follow suit.

These have been busy times recently in Turkey's energy industry, with news of a major privatisation coming alongside reports of new oil exploration in the Black Sea. Meanwhile, the ongoing dispute over use of the Bosphorus by oil tankers flared into life again, with accusations and denials flying over alleged unnecessary closure of the straits by the Turkish authorities.