All Countries and All Sectors

Telephone companies in Jordan are set to face a series of challenges in 2014, with the possibility of a new player entering the market at a time when costs and charges are eating into profits.

Faced with rising power consumption and a grid under pressure, Dubai is stepping up its efforts to improve energy efficiency, while boosting the role played by renewable resources in meeting demand. Long term, a broad range of initiatives, supported by a new regulatory framework announced last year, should help bring energy costs under control.

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) enjoyed a good year in 2013, with its growth far outpacing that of the overall South African economy. However, with capital flows to emerging markets exhibiting some volatility in recent weeks, and domestic challenges such as continued labour disputes a possibility, 2014 may see more modest performance, although potential IPOs may give it a welcome nudge.

The halal industry in Malaysia is fast becoming a magnet for international investment, as major players move to acquire a share of a growing global market.

Although the tapering of the US quantitative easing programme is beginning to ruffle frontier and emerging markets, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is looking to build upon a strong 2013 and further expand its appeal, cashing in on greater levels of transparency and a solid performance of the domestic economy to boost foreign participation.

The business process outsourcing (BPO) industry is playing an increasingly important role in the Philippines economy, both as a source of foreign currency earnings and as a destination for overseas investment. However, the sector could face greater regional competition as its neighbours look to cash in on the growing demand for outsourced services.