8 13 17 18 21 23 27 35 36 37 39 40 42 In the face of the challenges posed by declining oil prices and regional unrest, Bahrain has remained committed to its programme of economic diversification. While GDP growth is forecast at 3.3% in 2016, the fiscal gap is not expected to close significantly. However, the advancement of SMEs, as well as...
In a low-tax nation such as Bahrain the obvious part of the balance sheet to look at when addressing a stubborn fiscal deficit is government spending. It is hardly surprising, then, that over the past year the question of government subsidies has come to the fore in the public debate on the nation’s challenging economic situation.
One of the unfortunate consequences of the recent fall in oil prices is a regional tightening of lending conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The vulnerability of smaller firms to business interruptions means that lenders adopt a cautious stance, often demanding more collateral or stricter documentation standards, and...
Despite declining oil prices and a renewed focus on fiscal contraction, one government body has bucked the consolidation trend and embarked on a new phase of expansion. Established in 2006, Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company is the independent holding company for Bahrain’s strategic non-oil-and-gas-related assets, and as such is the government...
Bahrain’s economic story over the past year is one of two parts: while the government has given much attention to the nation’s stubborn fiscal deficit and a challenging process of subsidy reduction, a longer-term focus has remained on the objective of economic diversification that the kingdom established in the early years of this century....
One of the most important issues currently facing the Middle East is the changing composition of its demographic structure. A massive cohort of young people – known as a youth bulge – is challenging policy makers, with youth policy affecting security, education, the labour market and welfare programmes, among other areas. Given the relative...
Stay updated on how some of the world’s most promising markets are being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and what actions governments and private businesses are taking to mitigate challenges and ensure their long-term growth story continues.
Register now and also receive a complimentary 2-month licence to the OBG Research Terminal.
Register Here×