Economy and trade

Why Turkey will protect trade with Iran from US sanctions

The warming of ties between Iran and Turkey in recent years, coupled with the changing regional landscape, is likely to keep bilateral trade largely impervious to US sanctions.

Turkey

Why Iran’s currency repatriation rules threaten rising exports

Iranian exports have enjoyed a boost due to the weaker rial in recent months, but the country’s private sector says the mandatory currency repatriation mechanism devised by the central bank threatens legitimate exports.

Iran

Putin eyes visit to Baghdad amid growing Russian-Iraqi contacts

Contacts between Moscow and Baghdad have increased lately and President Putin may visit Iraq early next year.

Iraq

Egypt grapples with economic decisions amid high inflation rates

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Egypt decided to hold key interest rates for the fifth consecutive quarter, which raised questions about the government's ability to lower the high inflation rate.

Egypt

Syria has high hopes for ties with Crimea — maybe too high?

Damascus expects to take part in Crimea’s Yalta International Economic Forum next year, aiming to boost trade and economic relations.

Syria

Iranian pension funds on brink absent major reforms

Iran’s main pension funds appear to be in dire need of prompt reform in order to survive without government bailouts.

Iran

Iraq’s governorates reject 2019 draft budget

Iraq's 2019 draft budget is the target of major criticism by the Iraqi governorates and Kurdistan Region for not fulfilling their needs and demands.

Iraq

Morocco eyes privatization to fill its budget deficit

The 2019 finance bill shows a return of the privatization process in Morocco as a step in the direction of opening up the economy, but economists believe this is the ultimate proof of a failing fiscal policy.

Morocco

Sanctions push Rouhani to boost state involvement in Iran’s economy

The impact of the re-imposed US sanctions has forced the Rouhani administration to shift its market-oriented approach to the economy to focus on active involvement by the state.

Iran

Turkey’s first 'communist' grocery chain goes global

Led by Turkey’s first and only communist mayor, the small town of Ovacik boasts a flourishing farming cooperative whose organic products have taken customers across the country by storm.

Turkey

Can new PM make Iraq's grand plans a reality?

Iraq's new prime minister is making the economy a priority, but some question whether he will be able to tackle longstanding roadblocks that threaten his plan's success.

Iraq

Humor helps Egyptians let off steam during potato crisis

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's comments about youth obesity and a potato shortage at a recent youth conference have unleashed a wave of sarcasm on social media, giving disaffected Egyptians an opportunity to vent their frustration with the rising cost of living.

Egypt