Egypt’s Sisi, Putin meet as Russia steps up Africa push: What to know Wednesday’s meeting comes on the sidelines of the third Russia-Africa Summit, a two-day gathering in Moscow bringing together African leaders and officials. Egypt
Canada, UAE sign trade pact as Ottawa seeks to diversify beyond US The agreement is set to broadly lift tariffs on key products as Canadian officials hope to boost bilateral trade to $7 billion within a decade. United Arab Emirates
Macron secures Gulf diesel supplies as France grapples with fuel costs, unrest France now has commitments for 295,000 metric tons of diesel per month from the Gulf, accounting for just over 10% of the European country’s consumption. Bahrain
Saudi Arabia postpones 'Davos in the Desert' until 2027 amid Houthi attacks The Future Investment Initiative, which typically attracts the CEOs of some of the biggest companies in business, finance, and technology to Riyadh, will now be held next year. Saudi Arabia
Analysis How Hormuz crisis is reshaping economic ties between Iraq and Syria By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
Lebanon university strike threatens students’ futures As the Lebanese parliament is considering austerity measures that would see public wages slashed, the Lebanese University continues its open-ended strike, with students missing classes for weeks now. Lebanon
Iran sticks to 'Look to the East' doctrine amid frustration with Europe As Europeans continue to let it down, Iran is increasingly focused on its "Look to the East" doctrine, grabbing every chance to boost trade with China, India and Japan. Iran
Can Erdogan mend fences with US, Europe while saving face? Turkey is seeking to improve relations with the West to stave off further damage to its ailing economy, but wants to do so without appearing to concede any ground or make concessions. Syria
Iran plays Pakistan, China against India as Modi turns to Trump India’s apparent decision to go along with the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran could negatively impact its relationship with Tehran, including in regard to the Chabahar port project. United States
Are banks in Gaza jeopardizing economic sector? Banks are limiting their facilities in the Gaza Strip, which reflects badly on the already ailing economy. Palestine
How feasible is Khamenei’s economic doctrine for Iran? In one of his most comprehensive explanations of his economic doctrine, Iran’s supreme leader outlined his focus on self-sufficiency, import substitution, putting an end to oil dependence and prioritizing the agricultural sector. Iran
Central Bank: 2019 will be difficult for Tunisian banks Tunisia's financial and political quarters worry about an imminent liquidity crisis threatening the banking sector. Tunisia
Zarif seeks help from Pakistan Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif visits Islamabad with an eye toward receiving help in dealing with Iran's economic woes and its issues with Washington and Riyadh. Iran
Seeking trade incentives, Palestinian businessmen develop economic ties with Israel Palestinian businessmen flout political taboos by meeting with Israelis for business. Palestine
Egypt plans new maritime line to East Africa for increasing exports The Egyptian government will soon inaugurate a new maritime line from the port of Ain Sokhna to East African countries, with the aim of boosting trade and exports. Egypt
Group to boost Palestinian economy, cut link to Israel The Palestinian prime minister is heading a new group designed to inject vitality into the economy and strengthen partnerships among the public, private and civil sectors. Palestine
Egypt’s new free zone to serve development purposes As part of the Egyptian government development plan for Upper Egypt, a new free zone will be opened in Aswan to boost the economy, serve investors and create more jobs. Egypt
