Maghreb Regional and Global Integration

Working toward political stability by combating increased levels of terrorist activity, the Maghreb countries¿Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, and Libya¿have shifted efforts away from executing full-fledged economic reform. At the same time, recently implemented economic reforms fall short of bolstering lackluster performance and easing political tension among neighbors. 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.

Hufbauer: He has been the Peterson Institute's Reginald Jones Senior Fellow since 1992, was the Marcus Wallenberg Professor of International Finance Diplomacy at Georgetown University (1985û92), senior fellow at the Peterson Institute (1981û85), deputy director of the International Law Institute at Georgetown University (1979û81), deputy assistant secretary for international trade and investment policy of the US Treasury (1977û79), and director of the International Tax Staff at the US Treasury (1974û76). He has written extensively on international trade, investment, and tax issues.