Economy

The Jordanian government is attempting a difficult balancing act, working to boost economic growth while imposing a series of austerity measures intended to curb public spending and debt levels. These measures may prove unpopular with many in the electorate but should serve to strengthen the economy in the longer term.

Set to ride a rising wave of interest in its free trade zones, Dubai is cashing in on its long-term investments to further bolster its economy by attracting new clients looking for a stable and central base of operations. Dubai’s free zones are becoming increasingly important to its economy and represent a strengthening bond between the emirate and global trade.

The recent announcement of plans for the establishment of new free trade agreements (FTAs) with Malaysia and South Korea in the first half of 2012 will likely lead to a significant increase in trade between Turkey and East Asia.

The combination of low savings and the recent reinstating of fuel subsidies means Nigeria’s government is looking for way to trim expenditures and raise funds. Despite a small drop in planned expenditures, however, the budget deficit is expected to rise in 2012 to 2.97% of GDP from the 2.77% target rate the government announced in December 2011.

Une augmentation des importations et des exportations a fortement renforcé la position commerciale de l’Algérie en 2011. En effet, les chiffres avancés par le Centre national de l’information et des statistiques des douanes (CNIS) indiquent une croissance à tous les niveaux en 2011, avec un volume des exportations supérieur à celui des importations tout au long de l’année, favorisant ainsi la position financière de l’Algérie.

Momentum in Mongolia’s mineral sector helped GDP growth surge in 2011, however, extra fiscal vigilance is needed this election year as overheating could lead to high inflation, exchange rate volatility and wage pressures. According to World Bank estimates in late January, growth reached 14.9% in 2011 and will be 15.1% in 2013.