Follow the latest in economic news and developments about the Arab transition countries.
Egypt is currently speaking with the IMF and World Bank Group (WBG) about the country’s reform program with financial institutions and credit agencies, according to Minister of International Cooperation Najla Ahwani. Minister of Finance Hany Qadry Dimian plans to ask the IMF delegation to set a date for evaluating the Egyptian economy in light of the recent procedures carried out to lower energy subsidies and the budget deficit. [Egypt Independent]
World Bank launches public-private infrastructure plan
The World Bank on Thursday launched a new initiative that would bring together governments, development institutions and private investors to form public-private partnerships for infrastructure. The initiative, known as the Global Infrastructure Facility, would structure projects to attract long-term investors such as pension funds and insurance companies in order to meet the developing world’s $1 trillion in infrastructure needs over the next six years. [Reuters]
The World Bank on Thursday launched a new initiative that would bring together governments, development institutions and private investors to form public-private partnerships for infrastructure. The initiative, known as the Global Infrastructure Facility, would structure projects to attract long-term investors such as pension funds and insurance companies in order to meet the developing world’s $1 trillion in infrastructure needs over the next six years. [Reuters]
Tunisia has issued a $825 million bond on the domestic Japanese market, guaranteed by the state-owned Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Tunisia’s central bank said in a statement on Friday. The 10-year bond carries a coupon of 1.61 percent — down from 2.04 percent obtained in 2012 — and was arranged by Japan’s Nomura Securities, the statement said. [Reuters]
Also of Interest:
IMF chief Lagarde ‘very impressed’ by Egypt’s economic reforms | Al-Arabiya, Transcript
Egypt will not ask for getting loan from IMF | SIS
Army back in business as Sisi returns Egypt to stability | Emerging Markets
Feature: Egypt’s youth RiseUp for their future | Egyptian Streets
Egypt to present “big” projects at March economic meet | Emirates 24/7
Blog: Egypt needs more investments, not aid | WSJ
IMF advising Egypt on VAT plans: Report | Tax-News
Cyprus’ cabinet approves agreement with Jordan | ANSAMed
Saudi king gets new neighbors as Morocco evades regional turmoil | Chicago Tribune
Tunisia-Algeria strengthening economic/trade cooperation | L’economiste Maghrebin (French)