In keeping with the IMF’s recommendations, Qatar has moved to introduce a medium-term focus to its budget process, which is expected to help protect government spending from revenue volatility. These reforms have become especially pertinent, as oil prices plunged by 50% between June 2014 and early 2015. With the state now moving to plan its...
Following a difficult period for the international shipping market, in 2012 the container route from Shanghai to the Gulf through Dubai saw the second-highest rate of freight growth in the entire Asian region. This was part of an emerging trend of the maturation of GCCAsia trade. A relationship that was once just based on energy demand is diversifying and the GCC is seen...
Rapid economic growth over the past decade has thrust Qatar onto the world stage. In 2012 it became the world’s richest country per capita, with its huge natural gas resources the driving force behind one of the globe’s fastest-growing economies.
The push amongst GCC states to invest in Africa came about in earnest following the 2007-08 global food price crisis, and in those days targeted agricultural land and strategic commodity production. Agribusiness, sovereign wealth funds and other agri-investment vehicles were the main players at the time. Primarily state-led, the investments at that time centred on...
Trade relations between the GCC and Asian economies have been growing steadily for some time now. In 2014 Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), announced it would invest between $15bn and $20bn over the next five years in Asia. While there are risks associated with Asian markets, the GCC as a bloc is deepening its commitment to the region....
Sarawak’s wealth of vast natural resources has historically steered the state’s economy towards the easily-monetised extractive industries such as oil and gas production, and timber harvesting, followed later by large agricultural plantations specialising primarily in palm oil production. While these sectors continue to dominate Sarawak’s...
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×