nep-ara New Economics Papers
on MENA - Middle East and North Africa
Issue of 2020‒05‒18
twelve papers chosen by
Paul Makdissi
Université d’Ottawa

  1. Productivity, structural change, and skills dynamics: Evidence from a half-century analysis By Gunes Asik; Ulas Karakoc; Mohamed Ali Marouani; Michelle Marshalian
  2. Local Governance Quality and the Environmental Cost of Forced Migration By Aksoy, Cevat Giray; Tumen, Semih
  3. Revisiting the role of renewable and non-renewable energy consumption on Turkey’s ecological footprint: Evidence from Quantile ARDL approach By Sharif, Arshian; Baris-Tuzemen, Ozge; Uzuner, Gizem; Ozturk, Ilhan; Sinha, Avik
  4. Trends and Patterns of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Egypt By Reham RIZK
  5. Internal versus International Migration in Egypt: Together or Far Apart By Anda DAVID; Nelly EL-MALLAKH
  6. Winners and losers in industrial policy 2.0 By Mohamed Ali Marouani; Michelle Marshalian
  7. The economics of the Syrian refugee crisis in neighboring countries. The case of Lebanon By Anda DAVID; Mohamed Ali MAROUANI
  8. Jordan; 2020 Article IV Consultation and Request for an Extended Arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility-Press Releases; Staff Report; and Statement by the Alternate Executive Director for Jordan By International Monetary Fund
  9. Tail Risk Transmission: A Study of Iran Food Industry By Fatemeh Mojtahedi; Seyed Mojtaba Mojaverian; Daniel Felix Ahelegbey; Paolo Giudici
  10. Émergence économique et développement durable et inclusif du Maroc By Bertrand SAVOYE
  11. La distance est-elle toujours importante pour organiser l’approvisionnement alimentaire urbain? Le cas de l’agglomération de Rabat By S. Lemeilleur
  12. Revue de littérature sur le changement climatique au Maroc : observations, projections et impacts By Marie-Noëlle WOILLEZ

  1. By: Gunes Asik; Ulas Karakoc; Mohamed Ali Marouani; Michelle Marshalian
    Abstract: This paper explores the contribution of structural change and the skill upgrading of the labour force to productivity. Our growth decomposition based on an original database we built for Tunisia and Turkey shows that productivity is mainly explained by intra-industry changes during the import substitution period. Second, we show that this productivity increase has been driven by the reallocation of higher-educated labour between sectors rather than the absorption of highly educated workers within sectors.
    Keywords: MENA, Productivity, Skills, structural change, Tunisia, Turkey
    Date: 2020
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2020-18&r=all
  2. By: Aksoy, Cevat Giray (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development); Tumen, Semih (TED University)
    Abstract: Can high-quality local governance alleviate the environmental impact of large-scale refugee migration? The recent surge in refugee flows has brought additional challenges to local governments in Europe, the Middle East and certain regions of Africa and Asia. In this paper, we focus on the case of Syrian refugees in Turkey and show that the quality of local governance plays a critical role in mitigating the environmental deterioration. We employ text analysis methods to construct a unique data set on local governance quality from the independent audit reports on municipalities. Using a quasi-experimental econometric strategy, we show that the Syrian refugee influx has worsened environmental outcomes along several dimensions in Turkey. Specifically, we find that the deterioration in environmental outcomes is almost entirely driven by provinces with poor-quality governance. Those provinces fail to invest sufficiently in waste management practices and environmental services in response to increased refugee settlements. We argue that good local governance practices can smooth out the refugee integration process and complement the efforts of central governments.
    Keywords: Syrian refugees, environment, waste management, local governance, text analysis
    JEL: F22 H76 Q53
    Date: 2020–04
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp13145&r=all
  3. By: Sharif, Arshian; Baris-Tuzemen, Ozge; Uzuner, Gizem; Ozturk, Ilhan; Sinha, Avik
    Abstract: The current study re-investigates the impact of renewable and non-renewable energy consumption on Turkey’s ecological footprint. This study applies Quantile Autoregressive Lagged (QARDL) approach for the period of 1965Q1-2017Q4. We further apply Granger-causality in Quantiles to check the causal relationship among the variables. The results of QARDL show that error correction parameter is statistically significant with the expected negative sign for all quantiles which confirm an existence of significant reversion to the long-term equilibrium connection between the related variables and ecological footprint in Turkey. In particular, the outcomes suggested that renewable energy decrease ecological footprint in long-run on each quantile. However, the results of economic growth and non-renewable energy impact positively to ecological footprint in long-short run period at all quantiles. Finally, we tested the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis and the results of QARDL confirmed the EKC in Turkey. Furthermore, the findings of causal investigation from Granger-causality in quantiles evident the presence of a bi-directional causal relationship between renewable energy consumption, energy consumption and economic growth with ecological footprint in the Turkish economy.
    Keywords: renewable energy; EKC; ecological footprint; Turkey; QARDL
    JEL: Q5 Q53
    Date: 2020
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:100044&r=all
  4. By: Reham RIZK
    Abstract: This paper conducts a detailed analysis of the trends and patterns of women’s role in household non-agricultural enterprises in Egypt. The paper uses the Egypt Labor Market Panel Survey (ELMPS) waves of 1998, 2006, 2012 and 2018. First, the paper examines whether households have enterprises and how this varies across female and male-headed households over time. Second, it investigates whether men and women own enterprises and how this differs by their characteristics. Third, it investigates the characteristics of women-owned enterprises vis-à-vis men. Finally, it examines the gendered patterns of participation in enterprises. The findings demonstrate that women are less likely to engage in or own non-agricultural enterprises than men. Although the trend in participation in enterprises has been declining for men, it has been flat for women. Women-owned enterprises are more likely to be informal, have less capital, and be home-based.
    Keywords: Égypte
    JEL: Q
    Date: 2020–02–25
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:avg:wpaper:en10840&r=all
  5. By: Anda DAVID; Nelly EL-MALLAKH
    Abstract: This paper examines the relationship between internal, international, and return migration in Egypt. Using the Egypt Labor Market Panel Survey (ELMPS), this paper documents the evolution and patterns of internal migration over time. We examine patterns and trends of international and return migration, as well as the characteristics of international and return migrants. We then investigate the relationship between internal and international migration. We find evidence that internal migration has been rather low in Egypt. However, international migration rates have been rather high and prominent across all educational groups. Suggestive evidence indicates that individuals tend to engage in one type of migration only and that few engage in both internal and international migration.
    Keywords: Égypte
    JEL: Q
    Date: 2020–02–24
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:avg:wpaper:en10828&r=all
  6. By: Mohamed Ali Marouani; Michelle Marshalian
    Abstract: Large-scale business subsidies tied to national industrial development promotion programmes are notoriously difficult to study and are often inseparable from the political economy of large government programmes. We use the Tunisian national firm registry panel database, data on treated firms, and a perceptions survey administered by the National Research Institute to measure the impact of Tunisia's Industrial Upgrading Program. Using inverse propensity score re-weighted differences-in-differences regressions, we find that small treated firms hire more and higher-skilled labour.
    Keywords: firm subsidies, Fiscal policy, Industrial policy, Firm size, impact analysis, Labour
    Date: 2020
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2020-21&r=all
  7. By: Anda DAVID; Mohamed Ali MAROUANI
    Abstract: In this article, we investigate the effects of a massive displacement of workers from a war-torn economy on the economy of a neighboring country. Applying a general equilibrium approach to the Lebanese economy, we explore effects from various components of the crisis on the labor market, the production apparatus, and macroeconomic indicators. Along with previous literature, our findings suggest limited or no adverse effects on high-skilled native workers, but a negative impact on the most vulnerable Lebanese workers is found. When aid takes the form of investment subsidies, significantly better growth and labor market prospects arise, recalling the necessity of complementing humanitarian aid with development aid to succeed in achieving long-term objectives. This may however not be politically viable in a context where refugees are considered as temporary.
    Keywords: Liban
    JEL: Q
    Date: 2019–04–12
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:avg:wpaper:en9518&r=all
  8. By: International Monetary Fund
    Abstract: Jordan has made progress in reforming its economy since the 2017 Article IV consultation, but significant challenges remain. Despite a difficult environment, macroeconomic stability has been preserved, external imbalances have improved markedly, and reserves buffers have remained adequate. The exchange rate peg continues to serve the economy well, and the financial system is sound. While structural reforms advanced, notably to improve Jordan’s business climate, key impediments to growth remain, reflected in weak growth outcomes and high unemployment. Notwithstanding some early progress, fiscal consolidation also proved difficult to maintain, amid persistent fiscal slippages and tax administration deficiencies, and public debt was not reduced. Regional conflicts and the hosting of Syrian refugees weigh on social conditions, public finances, investment, and the external accounts.
    Keywords: Balance of payments;External sector;Economic conditions;Public financial management;Social safety nets;ISCR,CR,CBJ,NEPCO,Proj,article IV consultation,Jordanian authority
    Date: 2020–04–16
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfscr:20/101&r=all
  9. By: Fatemeh Mojtahedi (Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University); Seyed Mojtaba Mojaverian (Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University); Daniel Felix Ahelegbey (Università di Pavia); Paolo Giudici (Università di Pavia)
    Abstract: This paper extends the extreme downside correlations and hedge (EDC and EDH) methodology of Harris et al. (2019) to model the tail risk co-movement of financial assets under severe firm-level and market conditions. The model is applied to analyze both systematic and systemic exposures in the Iranian food industry. The empirical application address the following questions: 1) which food company is the safest for investors to diversify their investment, and 2) which companies are the risk “transmitters” and “receivers”, especially in turbulent times. To this end, we sampled the time series of 11 manufacturing companies and proxy the market indicator with the food industry index, all of which are publicly listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE). The data covers daily close prices from October 5, 2015, to January15, 2020. The systematic analysis reveals a positive and statistically significant relationship between the tail risk of the companies and the market index. The centrality analysis of the systemic exposures reveals Mahram Manufacturing as the safest and Behshahr Industries as the riskiest company. We also find evidence that W.Azar.Pegah is the main “transmitter” of tail risk, while Pegah.Fars.Co is the main “receiver” of risk.
    Keywords: Food industry, Extreme downside hedge, Extreme downside correlation, Systematic risk, Systemic risk.
    JEL: C31 C58 G01 G12
    Date: 2020–05
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pav:demwpp:demwp0189&r=all
  10. By: Bertrand SAVOYE
    Abstract: Les réflexions sur la stratégie de développement économique du Maroc ont fait l’objet de nombreuses études de qualité et ont couvert, sous la forme de plans sectoriels, la plupart des secteurs d’activité de l’économie marocaine. Au coeur de ces travaux, aux diagnostics le plus souvent concordants, se retrouve la question lancinante de l’émergence économique et cette interrogation : pourquoi le Maroc ne réussit-il pas à s’engager durablement dans une trajectoire d’émergence, alors que les conditions paraissent en grande partie réunies ? Ainsi, en dépit d'une relative stabilité politique et sociale, d'une amélioration notable du climat des affaires, d'un effort exceptionnel d’investissement public et parapublic, et d'une insertion réussie dans des chaînes de valeur mondiales à fort contenu technologique, telles que les industries automobile et aéronautique, cette question reste posée dans les derniers rapports produits sur la situation du Maroc, comme elle l’était déjà dans des termes identiques en 2005 dans le rapport Prospective Maroc 2030.À cette interrogation fait écho une préoccupation, également de longue date mais croissante ces derniers temps : comment poursuivre les politiques de réduction de la pauvreté mises en oeuvre et maintenir la cohésion sociale, si la croissance économique et l’emploi escomptés par une trajectoire d’émergence ne sont pas au rendez-vous ?De fait, le Maroc affiche depuis plusieurs décennies ces deux ambitions en accordant tantôt la priorité à l’émergence économique, dans le sillage remarquable des pays du Sud-Est asiatique, et tantôt aux questions sociales et à la lutte contre la pauvreté, élargie ces dernières années aux enjeux du développement durable et inclusif.
    Keywords: Maroc
    JEL: E
    Date: 2019–12–09
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:avg:wpaper:fr10612&r=all
  11. By: S. Lemeilleur
    Abstract: La question de sécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle (SAN) des populations des villes est devenue centrale ces dernières années suite aux phénomènes de métropolisation croissants, notamment dans les pays du sud. En effet, la dynamique d’urbanisation s’accompagne de nouveaux besoins alimentaires et nécessite le déploiement de nouvelles zones marchandes. Pour satisfaire cette demande urbaine, les systèmes de distribution alimentaire (SDA) doivent s’adapter. Les villes marocaines n’échappent pas à ce défi. Dans cet article, nous cherchons à comprendre quelles sont les zones de production qui alimentent la ville de Rabat au Maroc, dans un contexte où l’urbanisation avance mais où le secteur de distribution traditionnel reste dominant. Est-ce que les avancées technologiques et organisationnelles qu’effectuent aujourd’hui les grossistes marocains permettent de s’affranchir de la distance pour l’ensemble des produits ? Au travers d’enquêtes qualitatives et quantitatives auprès des protagonistes concernés, nos résultats montrent qu’à l’instar de nombreux pays, il y a bien un allongement des chaines d’approvisionnement alimentaire pour l’agglomération de Rabat. Cependant, nous montrons que pour certains produits, les SDA n’ont pas réussi à s’affranchir de la proximité notamment de part la nécessité d’acheminer rapidement les produits très périssables. Ainsi, pour les légumes feuilles (laitue, épinard, etc.) et les plantes aromatiques (menthe, coriandre, persil) très utilisées dans la diète marocaine, seule la proximité géographique supporte les échanges commerciaux avec la ville. Par ailleurs, nos résultats montrent que les SDA traditionnels et l’immense secteur informel de l’alimentation urbaine demeurent extrêmement dynamiques et résilients au Maroc. Les produits frais passent par des marchés de gros, en principe soumis à une réglementation, ou par d’autres circuits parallèles. Le système de distribution est complexe, peu maitrisé et désorganisé. Premièrement on assiste à la multiplicité de petits prestataires de services, d’intermédiaires de vente qui jouent un vrai rôle de services dans un contexte où les productions sont peu normées et où les technologies restent précaires. Deuxièmement, on recence une multiplicité de points de vente des fruits et légumes dans l’espace de la ville et sa périphérie, donnant lieu à des déplacements et des flux intra urbains de produits, de marchands et de consommateurs. L’existence et la pérennité de ces lieux de distribution sont fortement dépendantes des niveaux de prix du marché de gros et de liquidité des acteurs.
    Keywords: Maroc
    JEL: Q
    Date: 2019–01–29
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:avg:wpaper:fr9325&r=all
  12. By: Marie-Noëlle WOILLEZ
    Abstract: L’empreinte du changement climatique global est déjà clairement visible au Maroc : la température moyenne du pays a augmenté de +0,42 °C/décennie depuis 1990 et la diminution des précipitations est estimée à plus de 20% entre 1961 et 2005. La moyenne des projections des différents modèles climatiques indique que cette tendance à l’aridification va se poursuivre, avec à horizon 2050 une augmentation supplémentaire de la température de +1,5 °C (+2 °C) pour le scénario RCP4.5 (RCP8.5) et une diminution des précipitations de -15 % environ. Certains modèles projettent un déclin des précipitations bien supérieur, de l’ordre de -40 %. À horizon 2050 les projections de l’évolution des pluies extrêmes ne sont pas toujours statistiquement significatives. En revanche, la fréquence des vagues de chaleur et des sécheresses devrait fortement augmenter. Les rendements de l’agriculture non-irriguée seront affectés négativement, avec un déclin qui pourrait dépasser 40 % dans certains régions pour le blé et l’orge. Globalement, les besoins en eau des plantes risquent de fortement augmenter, nécessitant un recourt accru à l’irrigation, tandis que dans le même temps le débit des rivières pourrait diminuer de plus de 30 %. L’adéquation entre les ressources en eau disponible et les besoins du secteur agricole semble donc relativement incertaine. Par ailleurs, le secteur de l’énergie pourrait être affecté par une diminution de la capacité de production des centrales thermiques et hydrauliques. Enfin, 1,82 millions de Marocains habitent actuellement dans des zones qui seraient submergées de façon permanente en cas de montée du niveau marin de plus de 40 cm, une valeur très probable pour la fin du siècle et qui n’est pas à exclure dès le milieu du siècle si le Groenland et l’Antarctique fondaient plus rapidement que prévu.
    Keywords: Maroc
    JEL: Q
    Date: 2019–07–16
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:avg:wpaper:fr9807&r=all

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