Managing Fiscal Risks in the Middle East and North Africa

Managing Fiscal Risks in the Middle East and North Africa

Author: Racheeda Boukezia

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2023-06-11

Total Pages: 64

ISBN-13:

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Countries in the Middle East and North Africa are exposed to significant fiscal risks. This paper analyzes the sources of these fiscal risks in 17 low- and middle-income countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan region, excluding high-income Gulf countries (MENAPEG), and discusses avenues for reform to strengthen fiscal risk management. The materialization of fiscal risks in MENAPEG has been driven by macroeconomic shocks, contingent liabilities, and tail-risk events. The region has a track record of volatile economic growth and sharp exchange rate movements. High dependence on hydrocarbon revenue among MENAPEG oil and gas exporters and pervasive universal subsidies generate considerable budgetary exposure to swings in commodity prices. Substantial government involvement in the economy and large state ownership of firms and banks exposes several MENAPEG countries to contingent liabilities from state-owned enterprises and the financial sector. Lastly, the region’s history of social unrest and conflicts together with tail-risk events such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, and natural disasters and climate change, have been important sources of fiscal risks. Many of the factors historically associated with the materialization of fiscal risks in MENAPEG countries are likely to remain sources of vulnerability in the future, raising the need for robust fiscal risk management frameworks. Policy reform can strengthen fiscal risk management in MENAPEG. This paper describes precedents where progress is made and provides a broad analytical framework for policymakers to build upon to fully embrace fiscal risk management in all its dimensions. Going forward, it is crucial for national authorities to enhance their capacity to identify, quantify, and assess risk factors and their budget’s exposure to them. This should be followed by thorough fiscal risk analysis to inform policy decisions to mitigate risks. Where risks cannot be mitigated or are judged to be acceptable, countries should consider adopting appropriate medium-term fiscal frameworks to build buffers to deal with them.


Book Synopsis Managing Fiscal Risks in the Middle East and North Africa by : Racheeda Boukezia

Download or read book Managing Fiscal Risks in the Middle East and North Africa written by Racheeda Boukezia and published by International Monetary Fund. This book was released on 2023-06-11 with total page 64 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Countries in the Middle East and North Africa are exposed to significant fiscal risks. This paper analyzes the sources of these fiscal risks in 17 low- and middle-income countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan region, excluding high-income Gulf countries (MENAPEG), and discusses avenues for reform to strengthen fiscal risk management. The materialization of fiscal risks in MENAPEG has been driven by macroeconomic shocks, contingent liabilities, and tail-risk events. The region has a track record of volatile economic growth and sharp exchange rate movements. High dependence on hydrocarbon revenue among MENAPEG oil and gas exporters and pervasive universal subsidies generate considerable budgetary exposure to swings in commodity prices. Substantial government involvement in the economy and large state ownership of firms and banks exposes several MENAPEG countries to contingent liabilities from state-owned enterprises and the financial sector. Lastly, the region’s history of social unrest and conflicts together with tail-risk events such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, and natural disasters and climate change, have been important sources of fiscal risks. Many of the factors historically associated with the materialization of fiscal risks in MENAPEG countries are likely to remain sources of vulnerability in the future, raising the need for robust fiscal risk management frameworks. Policy reform can strengthen fiscal risk management in MENAPEG. This paper describes precedents where progress is made and provides a broad analytical framework for policymakers to build upon to fully embrace fiscal risk management in all its dimensions. Going forward, it is crucial for national authorities to enhance their capacity to identify, quantify, and assess risk factors and their budget’s exposure to them. This should be followed by thorough fiscal risk analysis to inform policy decisions to mitigate risks. Where risks cannot be mitigated or are judged to be acceptable, countries should consider adopting appropriate medium-term fiscal frameworks to build buffers to deal with them.


State-Owned Enterprises in Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia: Size, Costs, and Challenges

State-Owned Enterprises in Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia: Size, Costs, and Challenges

Author: Mr. Ernesto Ramirez Rigo

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2021-09-20

Total Pages: 153

ISBN-13: 1513594087

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Prior to the COVID-19 shock, the key challenge facing policymakers in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia region was how to generate strong, sustainable, job-rich, inclusive growth. Post-COVID-19, this challenge has only grown given the additional reduction in fiscal space due to the crisis and the increased need to support the recovery. The sizable state-owned enterprise (SOE) footprint in the region, together with its cost to the government, call for revisiting the SOE sector to help open fiscal space and look for growth opportunities.


Book Synopsis State-Owned Enterprises in Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia: Size, Costs, and Challenges by : Mr. Ernesto Ramirez Rigo

Download or read book State-Owned Enterprises in Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia: Size, Costs, and Challenges written by Mr. Ernesto Ramirez Rigo and published by International Monetary Fund. This book was released on 2021-09-20 with total page 153 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Prior to the COVID-19 shock, the key challenge facing policymakers in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia region was how to generate strong, sustainable, job-rich, inclusive growth. Post-COVID-19, this challenge has only grown given the additional reduction in fiscal space due to the crisis and the increased need to support the recovery. The sizable state-owned enterprise (SOE) footprint in the region, together with its cost to the government, call for revisiting the SOE sector to help open fiscal space and look for growth opportunities.


Public Financial Management Reform in the Middle East and North Africa

Public Financial Management Reform in the Middle East and North Africa

Author: Robert P. Beschel, Jr.

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2012-05-10

Total Pages: 225

ISBN-13: 0821395297

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"Part I, Overview and summary, June 2010."


Book Synopsis Public Financial Management Reform in the Middle East and North Africa by : Robert P. Beschel, Jr.

Download or read book Public Financial Management Reform in the Middle East and North Africa written by Robert P. Beschel, Jr. and published by World Bank Publications. This book was released on 2012-05-10 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Part I, Overview and summary, June 2010."


Fiscal Policy and Growth in the Middle East and North Africa Region

Fiscal Policy and Growth in the Middle East and North Africa Region

Author: Ms.Sena Eken

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 1997-08-01

Total Pages: 47

ISBN-13: 1451948565

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Establishing a policy framework to sustain high rates of growth is a major challenge facing the economies of the Middle East and North Africa. Given the strikingly dominant role of governments in these economies, this paper focuses on the contribution of fiscal consolidation and reform toward addressing this challenge. On the basis of an examination of fiscal structures, reform and adjustment efforts, and their growth implications during 1980-95, it concludes that the ongoing process of fiscal reform—aimed at reducing budget deficits, improving the budgetary structure, and enhancing the effectiveness of government interventions—is key to ensuring macroeconomic stability and fostering growth.


Book Synopsis Fiscal Policy and Growth in the Middle East and North Africa Region by : Ms.Sena Eken

Download or read book Fiscal Policy and Growth in the Middle East and North Africa Region written by Ms.Sena Eken and published by International Monetary Fund. This book was released on 1997-08-01 with total page 47 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Establishing a policy framework to sustain high rates of growth is a major challenge facing the economies of the Middle East and North Africa. Given the strikingly dominant role of governments in these economies, this paper focuses on the contribution of fiscal consolidation and reform toward addressing this challenge. On the basis of an examination of fiscal structures, reform and adjustment efforts, and their growth implications during 1980-95, it concludes that the ongoing process of fiscal reform—aimed at reducing budget deficits, improving the budgetary structure, and enhancing the effectiveness of government interventions—is key to ensuring macroeconomic stability and fostering growth.


Subsidy Reform in the Middle East and North Africa

Subsidy Reform in the Middle East and North Africa

Author: Mr.Carlo A. Sdralevich

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2014-07-09

Total Pages: 130

ISBN-13: 1498348467

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In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries price subsidies are common, especially on food and fuels. However, these are neither well targeted nor cost effective as a social protection tool, often benefiting mainly the better off instead of the poor and vulnerable. This paper explores the challenges of replacing generalized price subsidies with more equitable social safety net instruments, including the short-term inflationary effects, and describes the features of successful subsidy reforms.


Book Synopsis Subsidy Reform in the Middle East and North Africa by : Mr.Carlo A. Sdralevich

Download or read book Subsidy Reform in the Middle East and North Africa written by Mr.Carlo A. Sdralevich and published by International Monetary Fund. This book was released on 2014-07-09 with total page 130 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries price subsidies are common, especially on food and fuels. However, these are neither well targeted nor cost effective as a social protection tool, often benefiting mainly the better off instead of the poor and vulnerable. This paper explores the challenges of replacing generalized price subsidies with more equitable social safety net instruments, including the short-term inflationary effects, and describes the features of successful subsidy reforms.


Challenges of Growth and Globalization in the Middle East and North Africa

Challenges of Growth and Globalization in the Middle East and North Africa

Author: Mr.Hamid R Davoodi

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2003-09-05

Total Pages: 44

ISBN-13: 9781589062290

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The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is an economically diverse region. Despite undertaking economic reforms in many countries, and having considerable success in avoiding crises and achieving macroeconomic stability, the region’s economic performance in the past 30 years has been below potential. This paper takes stock of the region’s relatively weak performance, explores the reasons for this out come, and proposes an agenda for urgent reforms.


Book Synopsis Challenges of Growth and Globalization in the Middle East and North Africa by : Mr.Hamid R Davoodi

Download or read book Challenges of Growth and Globalization in the Middle East and North Africa written by Mr.Hamid R Davoodi and published by International Monetary Fund. This book was released on 2003-09-05 with total page 44 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is an economically diverse region. Despite undertaking economic reforms in many countries, and having considerable success in avoiding crises and achieving macroeconomic stability, the region’s economic performance in the past 30 years has been below potential. This paper takes stock of the region’s relatively weak performance, explores the reasons for this out come, and proposes an agenda for urgent reforms.


Public Financial Management Reform in the Middle East and North Africa

Public Financial Management Reform in the Middle East and North Africa

Author: Robert P. Beschel

Publisher:

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13: 9786613581877

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One of the most important functions governments perform is that of mobilizing and deploying financial resources to achieve their objectives. According to the most recent World Bank data, governments throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region spent approximately 407 billion dollars in 2007 in delivering their policy, regulatory and service functions. The way in which this money is spent has huge implications for their broader development trajectory. For governments to perform their spending function well, their PFM practices should meet certain well-established criteria. Governm.


Book Synopsis Public Financial Management Reform in the Middle East and North Africa by : Robert P. Beschel

Download or read book Public Financial Management Reform in the Middle East and North Africa written by Robert P. Beschel and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: One of the most important functions governments perform is that of mobilizing and deploying financial resources to achieve their objectives. According to the most recent World Bank data, governments throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region spent approximately 407 billion dollars in 2007 in delivering their policy, regulatory and service functions. The way in which this money is spent has huge implications for their broader development trajectory. For governments to perform their spending function well, their PFM practices should meet certain well-established criteria. Governm.


The Economic Impact of Conflicts and the Refugee Crisis in the Middle East and North Africa

The Economic Impact of Conflicts and the Refugee Crisis in the Middle East and North Africa

Author: Mr.Bjoern Rother

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2016-09-16

Total Pages: 43

ISBN-13: 1475535783

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In recent decades, the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) has experienced more frequent and severe conflicts than in any other region of the world, exacting a devastating human toll. The region now faces unprecedented challenges, including the emergence of violent non-state actors, significant destruction, and a refugee crisis bigger than any since World War II. This paper raises awareness of the economic costs of conflicts on the countries directly involved and on their neighbors. It argues that appropriate macroeconomic policies can help mitigate the impact of conflicts in the short term, and that fostering higher and more inclusive growth can help address some of the root causes of conflicts over the long term. The paper also highlights the crucial role of external partners, including the IMF, in helping MENA countries tackle these challenges.


Book Synopsis The Economic Impact of Conflicts and the Refugee Crisis in the Middle East and North Africa by : Mr.Bjoern Rother

Download or read book The Economic Impact of Conflicts and the Refugee Crisis in the Middle East and North Africa written by Mr.Bjoern Rother and published by International Monetary Fund. This book was released on 2016-09-16 with total page 43 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In recent decades, the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) has experienced more frequent and severe conflicts than in any other region of the world, exacting a devastating human toll. The region now faces unprecedented challenges, including the emergence of violent non-state actors, significant destruction, and a refugee crisis bigger than any since World War II. This paper raises awareness of the economic costs of conflicts on the countries directly involved and on their neighbors. It argues that appropriate macroeconomic policies can help mitigate the impact of conflicts in the short term, and that fostering higher and more inclusive growth can help address some of the root causes of conflicts over the long term. The paper also highlights the crucial role of external partners, including the IMF, in helping MENA countries tackle these challenges.


Gulf Cooperation Council: Economic Prospects and Policy Challenges for the GCC Countries

Gulf Cooperation Council: Economic Prospects and Policy Challenges for the GCC Countries

Author: International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2023-12-14

Total Pages: 74

ISBN-13:

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The GCC region’s non-hydrocarbon growth momentum remains strong, driven by higher domestic demand, increased gross capital inflows, and reform implementation. Oil production – which depends on OPEC+ decisions – will be subdued in the near term. Inflation is contained and current account surpluses are high. Fiscal balances remain healthy, supported by fiscal reforms and high oil prices. The primary non-oil deficits are expected to decrease to 24 percent of GDP by 2028, with higher non-oil revenue reflecting sustained fiscal and structural reforms and contained expenditures. High global uncertainty is weighing on the outlook.


Book Synopsis Gulf Cooperation Council: Economic Prospects and Policy Challenges for the GCC Countries by : International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.

Download or read book Gulf Cooperation Council: Economic Prospects and Policy Challenges for the GCC Countries written by International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept. and published by International Monetary Fund. This book was released on 2023-12-14 with total page 74 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The GCC region’s non-hydrocarbon growth momentum remains strong, driven by higher domestic demand, increased gross capital inflows, and reform implementation. Oil production – which depends on OPEC+ decisions – will be subdued in the near term. Inflation is contained and current account surpluses are high. Fiscal balances remain healthy, supported by fiscal reforms and high oil prices. The primary non-oil deficits are expected to decrease to 24 percent of GDP by 2028, with higher non-oil revenue reflecting sustained fiscal and structural reforms and contained expenditures. High global uncertainty is weighing on the outlook.


Global Contract Law in the Middle East and North Africa

Global Contract Law in the Middle East and North Africa

Author: Mohamed Ismail

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2024-08-01

Total Pages: 228

ISBN-13: 1040100759

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This book comprehensively covers the interplay between cultural and legal globalization and the impact this has on contract law, with a particular focus on state contracts within the MENA region. The book discusses the roles assumed by Supreme Courts in Egypt and MENA countries in creating unified principles of international contract law in states’ contracts which are consistent with international commercial contracts’ principles. It makes a powerful argument for further harmonization of contract law in the area, and how this can be achieved. The book forms a case study of how international harmonization can be achieved through a number of routes, such as codification, digitalization of processes and contracts, private-public arbitration, and further use of international instruments. It also considers the implications of comparative European law, convention law, and other legal domains, particularly international standards, on contract law in the MENA region. The book suggests how international legal standards can be integrated within contract law, and how a harmonious contract law framework can thus be achieved. Through analyzing ICSID case law, the book argues that unification of contract law principles in the MENA region is a considerable step towards achieving legitimate expectations of foreign investors. It argues, further, that global contract law is underway. The book will be is of interest to students and scholars in the field of international contract law, public law, and international law in Egypt and MENA countries.


Book Synopsis Global Contract Law in the Middle East and North Africa by : Mohamed Ismail

Download or read book Global Contract Law in the Middle East and North Africa written by Mohamed Ismail and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2024-08-01 with total page 228 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book comprehensively covers the interplay between cultural and legal globalization and the impact this has on contract law, with a particular focus on state contracts within the MENA region. The book discusses the roles assumed by Supreme Courts in Egypt and MENA countries in creating unified principles of international contract law in states’ contracts which are consistent with international commercial contracts’ principles. It makes a powerful argument for further harmonization of contract law in the area, and how this can be achieved. The book forms a case study of how international harmonization can be achieved through a number of routes, such as codification, digitalization of processes and contracts, private-public arbitration, and further use of international instruments. It also considers the implications of comparative European law, convention law, and other legal domains, particularly international standards, on contract law in the MENA region. The book suggests how international legal standards can be integrated within contract law, and how a harmonious contract law framework can thus be achieved. Through analyzing ICSID case law, the book argues that unification of contract law principles in the MENA region is a considerable step towards achieving legitimate expectations of foreign investors. It argues, further, that global contract law is underway. The book will be is of interest to students and scholars in the field of international contract law, public law, and international law in Egypt and MENA countries.