Economy

Helping to lead the way in a number of burgeoning Iraqi industries, Turkish firms from the energy extraction, commerce and construction sectors are investing and expanding in Iraq. And though recent events have put a bit of strain on the relationship, Turkey remains the country’s largest trading partner, as demonstrated by Turkish exports nearly tripling since 2007.

Dans un contexte de ralentissement de la demande d’exportations en provenance des marchés européens, l’Algérie multiplie ses relations commerciales avec un certain nombre d’économies émergentes, notamment le Brésil, la Russie, l’Inde et la Chine (BRIC).

The Omani government is working to address unemployment by putting $1bn toward job creation after seeing higher-than-expected returns on oil in the first half of 2012.

OBG talks to Celina Chew, the managing director of Bayer Thai, about opportunities in agriculture, research and development, and pharmaceuticals.

These may be tough times for the Egyptian economy, but healthy long-term fundamentals and sound monetary policy bode well for the future. Indeed, the decision by Egypt’s central bank to keep rates on hold is a clear sign of its policy of prioritising growth in 2012.

A smooth transition from former President John Atta Mills, who unexpectedly passed away last month, to new President John Dramani Mahama will help reassure investors about the continued steady performance of the country’s economy, but mild pressure from short-term risks may necessitate some adept changes to monetary and fiscal policy.