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on Arab World |
| By: | Yochanan Shachmurove (Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania) |
| Abstract: | The Sultanate of Oman has a diversified economy, unlike many of its neighboring nations that rely almost entirely on oil revenues. Natural gas and several non-energy business sectors, such as tourism, fishing, light manufacturing, and agriculture are expanding rapidly. The Omani economy is one of the freest in its region. A relatively stable government and low taxes make Oman a desirable location for entrepreneurial ventures. Furthermore, foreign direct investment is welcomed. Tourism is the most attractive area for international entrepreneurs. Oil revenues, coupled with increasing foreign investment are likely to both diversify the Omani economic base and strengthen it. |
| Keywords: | Entrepreneurship; Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs); Business Ventures; Oman; Middle East; Oil; Tourism; Natural Gas; Foreign Direct Investment; Index of Economic Freedom; Oman-U.S. Free Trade Zone |
| JEL: | D23 E0 F14 F16 F23 F3 G2 K33 L26 L83 O1 O53 P1 P2 Q4 |
| Date: | 2009–07–20 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pen:papers:09-026&r=ara |
| By: | Yochanan Shachmurove (Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania) |
| Abstract: | The State of Qatar is driven mainly by hydrocarbon revenues, which are estimated to support this tiny country for hundreds of years. The Qatari economy is becoming diversified with industries such as manufacturing, banking, social services, and tourism. Additionally, government financed health and educational services have increased rapidly. However, the Qatari government is not able to establish necessary laws and procedures which business requires. Despite recent changes, Qatari laws and regulations are not always friendly towards business ventures or foreign investment, hindering economic growth. Furthermore, enforcement of existing business regulations and rules are occasionally lacking. |
| Keywords: | Entrepreneurship; Small and Medium Sized Enterprises; Business Ventures; Qatar; Middle East; Oil; Tourism; Natural Gas; Foreign Direct Investment; Index of Economic Freedom |
| JEL: | D23 E0 F14 F16 F23 F3 G2 K33 L26 L83 O1 O53 P1 P2 Q4 |
| Date: | 2009–07–20 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pen:papers:09-025&r=ara |
| By: | MOHSEN MEHRARA*, MOHSEN; ALHOSSEINI, SEYEDMOHAMMADSADEGH; BAHRAMIRAD, DUMAN |
| Abstract: | The examination of the relationship between oil resources and economic growth reveals that oil curse in oil countries is not reliable and these countries can be divided into countries with poor and rich institutions. In the first group, oil revenues have a negative and significant effect on the economic growth; in the second group, oil revenues have a positive and significant effect on economic growth. In other words, what causes curse or blessing of oil resources is the institution qualities of the countries; the lower the institution quality, the more negative effect of the oil revenues on the economic growth. In this article we derive the kink point of institutional index whereby oil revenues effect on the economic growth changes from positive to negative. |
| Keywords: | economic growth, institutions, oil resources |
| JEL: | O13 O50 Q30 |
| Date: | 2008–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:16456&r=ara |
| By: | Baliamoune-Lutz, Mina |
| Abstract: | Tunisia.s recent growth and development performance relative to countries in its region, and relative to countries at similar levels of development in other parts of the world, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, have been notable. An analysis of Tunisia.s path to development reveals that the country.s development strategy relied primarily on diversifying its production and trade and enhancing its human capital with emphasis on women.s empowerment. Family planning programmes that have caused fertility to decline significantly are a hallmark of Tunisia.s development strategy. This paper reviews Tunisia.s experience, identifies the major challenges and threats to the viability of its development strategy, and pinpoints lessons |
| Keywords: | Development, politics of co-optation, trade openness, fertility, human capital, wonmen's empowerment, Tunisia |
| Date: | 2009 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unu:wpaper:rp2009-32&r=ara |