Maghreb regional and global integration: A dream to be fulfilled
Maghreb Regional and Global Integration: A Dream to Be Fulfilled
Policy Analyses in International Economics 86
edited by Gary Clyde Hufbauer and Claire Brunel
October 2008 • 192 pp. ISBN paper 978-0-88132-426-6 • $23.95
Increasing terrorist activity has led the Maghreb countries-Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, and Libya-to focus on antiterrorism efforts, unintentionally at the expense of full-fledged economic reform. These countries have tightened their border restrictions on the flow of people and goods, reducing commerce and depressing economic activity. In fact, Maghreb has one of the lowest rates of intra-regional trade in the world; other factors like rigid economic structures, slow productivity growth, and modest investment levels continue to stymie progress toward economic integration.
Do these countries’ diverse circumstances symbolize insurmountable obstacles in achieving economic cooperation and an improved standard of living for citizens? How can the United States and European Union facilitate economic progress? Maghreb Regional and Global Integration: A Dream to Be Fulfilled utilizes two distinct econometric tools to assess four key sectors-energy, banking and insurance, transport, and agribusiness-and outlines achievable sector-specific recommendations. This book not only assesses the gains from economic integration among the Maghreb countries, but also focuses on the tangible benefits from enhanced economic ties between the region and the world economy. With this critical analysis, the authors provide an in-depth look at practical measures such as bilateral trade and investment agreements, regional arrangements, and financial assistance that can significantly boost short-term success and ensure long-term gains through integration in an unstable region.
Contents
Chapters are provided for preview only.
Preface
Executive Summary [pdf]
Stuart Eizenstat and Gary Clyde Hufbauer
Acknowledgments
1. Introduction [pdf]
2. Political Economy of the Maghreb [pdf]
Claire Brunel
3. Maghreb Regional Integration [pdf]
Claire Brunel
4. The Maghreb and Other Regional Initiatives: A Comparison [pdf]
Claire Brunel
5. Maghreb Trade and Investment [pdf]
Dean DeRosa
6. Gravity Model Analysis [pdf]
Dean DeRosa
7. Evaluation of Trade Integration Using the Mirage Model [pdf]
Marcelle Thomas, Mohamed Hedi Bchir, Antoine Bouët, and Betina Dimaranan
8. A Unified North Africa on the World Stage: Overview of Maghreb Sector Studies [pdf]
Francis Ghilès
9. The Maghreb Energy Sector: Situation and Perspectives [pdf]
Mustapha Faïd
10. Maghreb Banks and Financial Markets [pdf]
Abderrahmane Hadj Nacer and Guillaume Almeras
11. Opportunities for Logistical Improvements through Maghreb Integration [pdf]
Hassan Benabderrazik
12. Updating the Maghreb Project: The Case of Food Industries [pdf]
Omar Aloui
13. Reviving Maghreb Integration: Recommendations [pdf]
Claire Brunel and Gary Clyde Hufbauer
About the Contributors
Index
