All Countries and All Sectors

In a move that is expected to strengthen food security in Oman, the Public Authority for Stores and Food Reserves (PASFR) announced in late May that it was planning to standardise the prices of certain essential items in different parts of the Sultanate.

Nigeria’s film industry, the second-largest in the world by volume, is already a prime destination for investment but with a national film fund and major infrastructural projects under consideration, there is potential for further growth.

Malgré un affaiblissement de la demande mondiale d’exportations industrielles, le premier semestre 2012 s’est montré plutôt prometteur pour le secteur minier marocain, soutenu par une hausse graduelle du prix des matières premières. En fait, le secteur a enregistré une augmentation progressive de ses bénéfices au cours des quatre premiers mois de l’année. Pour ce qui est de la suite de l’année, les perspectives sont également positives si on en juge par les nombreuses nouvelles installations – qui concernent à la fois les activités amont et aval- qui voient le jour en ce moment.

Malaysia has announced plans to boost its automotive sector through the production of electric cars, hoping to both develop a lucrative export trade while actively combating carbon emissions at home. The industry will face competition, however, from other countries in the region whose green automotive initiatives are more developed.

Sharjah is seeking to position itself as a niche aviation connection centre, with the local budget airline expanding the number of routes it serves and specialist carriers focusing on potential in the upper end of the market. High costs and stiff competition, however, could pose a challenge to the emirate’s ambitions.

South Africa’s construction industry is beginning to revive activity, with demand in most segments still muted following a post-World Cup 2010 slowdown in project spending, but edging up slowly – although a proposal by a senior government minister for the establishment of a state-owned contractor may dampen private sector confidence.