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.
- Cover
- Table of Contents
- Preface
- Executive Summary
- Acknowledgments
- Chapter 1 Introduction
- Chapter 2 Political Economy of the Maghreb
- Chapter 3 Maghreb Regional Integration
- Arab Maghreb Union
- Greater Arab Free Trade Area
- Euro-Med
Partnership
- Agadir Agreement
- Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 4 The Maghreb and Other Regional Initiatives: A Comparison
- Association of Southeast Asian Nations
- Central America
- Comparison with the Maghreb
- References
- Chapter 5 Maghreb Trade and Investment
- Overview
- Merchandise Trade
- Services Trade
- Foreign Investment
- Barriers to Trade and Investment
- References
- Chapter 6 Gravity Model Analysis
- The Gravity Model and Dataset
- Estimation Results
- Maghreb Integration Scenarios
- Simulation Results
- References
- Chapter 7 Evaluation of Trade Integration Using the Mirage Model
- Model and Database
- Trade Liberalization Options and Impacts for
Maghreb Countries
- Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 8 A Unified North Africa on the World Stage: Overview of Maghreb Sector Studies
- Sector Recommendations
- Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 9 The Maghreb Energy Sector: Situation and Perspectives
- Energy Situation
- Socioeconomic Data
- Scenarios and Perspectives in the Mediterranean Context
- Recommendations
- Conclusion
- Chapter 10 Maghreb Banks and Financial Markets
- Emigrant Remittances
- A Bank of the Mediterranean?
- Recommendations and Conclusion
- References
- Chapter 11 Opportunities for Logistical Improvements through Maghreb Integration
- Transport Reforms in the Region
- Measuring Logistics Performance
- Opportunities for Integration
- Concluding Remarks
- References
- Chapter 12 Updating the Maghreb Project: The Case of Food Industries
- Theoretical Framework
- Food Market Context Analysis
- Main Characteristics of Regional Markets
- Recommendations
- References
- Chapter 13 Reviving Maghreb Integration: Recommendations
- US-Maghreb Economic Ties
- EU-Maghreb Economic Ties
- Role of Bilateral Agreements
- Conclusion
- References
- About the Contributors
- Index
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