Follow the latest in economic news and developments about the Arab transition countries.

Egypt approaches Saudi, Kuwait for more money
Egypt is currently holding talks with Riyadh and Kuwait City in hopes of securing a fresh package of financial aid, a high-level Finance Ministry official said Monday. Results of the talks with the two Gulf countries – known for their support of Egypt’s military-backed interim government – will be announced soon, the official told Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity. [World Bulletin]
 
Mansour: Security top priority for bringing Egypt’s economy back to track
President Adli Mansour met on Monday with General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Interior Minister Major General Mohamed Ibrahim. The meeting reviewed security conditions in Egypt and efforts to combat terrorist and the progress of security crackdowns in Sinai. A presidential statement issued following the meeting said the President asserted that maintaining security represents a top priority at this critical stage.The President called for reviewing measures of securing vital facilities and of activating security presence on the Egyptian street, confronting all outlaws and hard criminals in achievement of security and stability in order to prepare for bringing economy back to normal rates.  [SIS]
 
Jordan’s economic growth hit by Syrian refugee burden: central bank
The cost of accommodating hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees in Jordan is hampering the economy’s ability to grow substantially beyond a three to 3.5 percent IMF annual growth target for the next two years, the central bank governor said. The drain on the country’s meager economic resources and higher state expenditure resulting from the presence of over 600,000 refugees fleeing violence to neighboring Jordan, had put brakes on an debt burdened economy already facing severe fiscal strains, Ziad Fariz said on Tuesday. [Reuters]
 
Morocco: industrialists call for speedy reforms, lower taxes
Moroccan employers’ association CGEM on Monday called on the government to speed up reforms and prove it is innovative enough to restart the economy. The 2014 budget does not favor growth or competitiveness, the industrialists charged.  [ANSAmed]
 
State budget to be financed by funds from sale of “Tunisie Telecom”: Finance Minister
Finance Minister Elyes Fakhfakh said $500 million (nearly 816 million dinars) coming from the sale of shares of “Tunisie Telecom” will be allocated to the State budget for 2013 to cover the delay in the issuance of Islamic Sukuk (bonds compliant with Islamic law).  [TAP]
 
Also of Interest: 
Egyptian expats are sending more money home | Al-Shorfa
Economic stimulus package will not affect inflation or price controls | DNE
Egypt’s millionaires make up 0.04% of total adult population: Report | Ahram
Egypt Internet users reached 36 million in June 2013: MCIT | Ahram
Forsa Mentoring Program launches workshops in Alexandria, Cairo | Ahram
Blog: In Jordan, it’s easier to laugh than cry about the economy | WSJ
Opinion: Tunisia’s government mortgages economic future | Al-Monitor
ABC granted additional five years to merge its two agencies in Tunisia | TAP
Tunisia: State budget for 2013 to reach after updating 27,481 MTD | TAP
Why Yemen must conquer corruption to save the poor | Yemen Times