Economy and trade

Exodus by big firms pushes Iran toward smaller Chinese enterprises

To mitigate the impact of harsh US sanctions, Iran is increasingly turning to China by dispatching high-ranking delegations to Beijing to augment trade. But China is also mindful not to cross the red lines drawn by the United States.

United States

Egypt finds its nationals new job markets abroad

The difficult economic conditions and nationalization of jobs in Gulf states have caused a problem for Egyptians willing to work overseas, and prompted thousands to return home.

Legacy: Gulf

Is Erdogan's airport dream turning into nightmare?

The Istanbul New Airport's current and projected damage to ecosystems, its subpar construction and its woeful financial setup is turning the project into a grandiose failure — one that will cost the Turkish public dearly for decades to come.

Turkey

Russian Industrial Zone in Suez to be launched soon

The construction of the Russian Industrial Zone in the new Suez Canal Economic zone is expected to begin soon, in a project that Egypt hopes will boost its economy.

Egypt

Egypt’s unemployment rate declines to pre-revolution levels amid economic recovery

Although the Egyptian government is initiating programs to encourage work in the private sector, some graduates still see unemployment as a threat to young people.

Egypt

Iran’s top banks launch blockchain platform to boost ailing banking system

Banking giants in Iran have established a digital tokenization platform to liquidize bad assets. If it can overcome the many challenges on the way, it could generate vital cash — and public trust.

Iran

Erdogan blasts polling as Turkey's local elections approach

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, long a close observer of opinion polls, now indicates they are not to be trusted when it comes to March 31 local elections that may put his leadership to the test.

Turkey

Gazans reluctant to import from Egypt despite Hamas’ encouragement

Although Hamas reduced fees imposed on goods entering the Gaza Strip, it seems local traders are hesitant to import from Egypt, which imposes high fees on traded products.

Palestine

Iraq-Jordan trade deal opens new doors for regional trade

A breakthrough trade agreement may signal new trend toward integration; Erdogan plays Syria card in Turkish elections; HTS undermines Turkish-backed groups in Idlib.

Iraq

Trump introduced Qatari to donor pursuing nuclear power project, report says

A Tennessee businessman says US President Donald Trump introduced him to a potential Qatari investor at his Mar-a-Lago resort in spring 2018.

Saudi Arabia

Iran questions Iraq's promise to import oil despite sanctions

In a surprising statement, Iran's oil minister recently complained that Iraq is abiding by the US sanctions and canceling some energy deals with Iran.

Iraq

Is Egyptian parliament encouraging alcohol consumption?

The Egyptian parliament's approval to lift the prohibition of the sale of alcohol in the law on shops has stirred a wide controversy in a country where Sharia is the source of legislation.

Egypt