Cairo

Source: Al-Wafd newspaper

Dr. Ali Mohamed Al-Khouri

The year 2024 holds mixed prospects for Arab economies and emerging markets, with expectations that the Arab region will witness a growth rate of approximately 4%, after a notable decline in 2023, which it recorded at a rate of 3.4%, compared to 5.6% in 2022. These expectations for the current year are driven by several factors. Among them are the stability of oil and basic commodity prices, the recovery of external demand, in addition to the decline in interest rates.

Despite the expected improvement in the economic growth of Arab countries in 2024, there are still a number of structural challenges that need to be addressed. These challenges include over-reliance on certain sectors such as oil and gas, weak institutions, social inequalities, and public debt. These factors hinder sustainable economic growth and development of Arab economies. Global economic challenges will also continue to put pressure on Arab economies, especially after the monetary tightening policies followed by central banks to combat inflation, which led to a decline in capital flows and a widespread weakening of Arab market currencies.

The Arab Monetary Fund stresses the need for Arab countries to continue adopting economic reforms to enhance the diversity and flexibility of their economic structures and address the structural challenges that hinder achieving high and sustainable growth rates.

It is important for Arab countries to adopt economic policies that focus on diversifying sources of income, strengthening non-oil sectors, improving infrastructure, developing institutions, and enhancing political and social stability. Developing social safety networks and reconsidering support policies are essential elements for achieving sustainable social and economic development.

It is also important to keep pace with changes in global monetary policies and develop strategies to maintain currency stability and encourage investment. We should also work to enhance regional economic integration and diversify trade partnerships to reduce exposure to fluctuations in global markets.

Arab economies face many challenges, but they also have great opportunities for growth and development if the right steps are taken towards structural reforms and diversification of economies.