Follow the latest in economic news and developments about the Arab transition countries.
Morocco has agreed to increase the minimum wage by 10 percent in 2014 and 2015 as authorities seek to counter labor union protests against austerity measures such as subsidy cuts and pension system reforms. [Reuters]
The World Bank, during its board of directors’ meeting on Tuesday, renewed its Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) with the Government of Morocco, while also announcing new projects in support of the country’s financial sector and rural water supply for fiscal years 2014 to 2017.[WB, MWN]
French President François Hollande announced, on Tuesday, the organization in September 2014 in Tunis, of a conference of friends of Tunisia, under the aegis of the United Nations, to encourage donors to invest in Tunisia. [TAP]
“[USAID’s] continued engagement [in MENA] is in our US national security interest and it will be supported by the President’s FY 2015 $7.0 billion foreign assistance request for MENA, of which approximately $1.3 billion will enable USAID to implement comprehensive and targeted programs that help us achieve these goals”. [USAID]
Also of Interest:
Egypt’s deficit hits 7.1 percent of GDP in first 9 months of FY13-14 | Ahram
Egyptian pound drops most in 11 months amid absence of Gulf aid | Bloomberg
US Senator moves to block aid to Egypt | Defense News
Egyptian leader hints at fresh privatization | Reuters
US, Jordan due to meet next week to discuss loan guarantees | Alghad (Arabic)
Jordan: Fuel prices rise slightly | Jordan Times
Morocco top tourist destination in North Africa | ANSAMed
Tunisia-Council of Europe – Identifying new areas of cooperation | TAP
he Mideast: Achieving fast and fair growth (Regional Conference) | IMF
Blog: Arab Middle class and social policies | EconMonitor