Issue  No.134
24 July 2017

This report is designed to give you a snapshot about the MENA region tackling multiple issues:


 
   



        48.02  USD         1,257  USD

 
/USD
/EUR
EGP
17.86
20.83
AED
3.67
4.28
QAR
3.64
4.24
SAR
3.75
4.37
BHD 
0.38
0.43
OMR 
0.39 
0.44

 
  Economic Outlook
  • Moody's, the global credit rating agency, gave Egypt a B3 rating after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) disbursed the final instalment of 1.25 BN USD from the first 4 BN USD tranche of 12 BN USD loan. After the IMF assessed the implementation of the reform program, they said that the review is "Credit positive". It is estimated that by 2020, Egypt budget deficit will shrink to 3% of GDP.
  • Egypt-Argentina trade deal will be in full force in 30 days; eliminating tariffs on 60% of Argentina exports while phasing out reduced tariffs over a 10-year span. The trade agreement also includes Mercosur members Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. In addition, the deal will lift tariffs levied on Egyptian imports such as cars, auto parts, apples, pears and beef.
  • Egypt average yield on 6 months and 1-year treasury bill fell to 21.679% and 21.706% respectively in the last sale on July 13th. Foreign buying climbed by 7% to reach 7.4 BN EGP (414 MM USD); moreover, it accounted for 50.4% of the sale. Since the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) floated the Egyptian pound and raised the interest rate by 700 basis point (bps); demand for domestic debt increased.
  • Saudi Finance Ministry qualifies 13 banks to participate in the primary market of the local currency Islamic bonds (Sukuk). It is predicted that the 1st issuance would be 10 BN SAR (2.67 BN USD) and it is estimated to cover 25% to 30% of 2017 budget deficit (200 BN SAR) caused by weak oil prices.
  • Diplomatic crisis in Qatar slightly affected the country's GDP growth this year to 2.3% from 3.5% in April 2017. As for next year, forecasting a decline in GDP from 3.7% to 3.1% as some foreign banks reduced transactions with Qatar.
  • Oman budget deficit has declined by 19.9% reaching 2.04 BN OMR (5.30 BN USD) from January to May 2017 in comparison to the same period last year. This can be attributed to the Sultanate prudent economic policies and recovering oil prices. The Omani government adopted a series of austerity measures including increasing corporate tax, price of natural gas to industries and fees of government services, in addition to the removal of subsidies on petroleum products. Hence, total government revenue surged by 19.2%, net oil revenues rose by 37.3% and natural gas revenues grew by 6.5%.
  • The Public Authority for Mining (PAM) in Oman issued 234 valid mining permits in 2016 with a total economic value of 116.6 MM OMR (302.86 MM USD). Greater priority is given to mining applications providing raw materials for industrial hubs and Special Economic Zones across Oman.
  • Chinese investors express interest in Jordan due to its safety and stability. The Chinese Ambassador underlined a range of "untapped opportunities" in his latest speech, including the kingdom free trade agreements. He added that China can export its expertise in processing waste to energy, as he understands the effect of the influx of refugees on Jordan scarce resources. 
  • Tunisair signed a partnership agreement with "Classe Export" to be the official carrier for Africa 2017 meeting, taking place on 5th and 6th of October 2017. The national carrier will promote Tunisia networks in Africa and France as it will transport 1,000 African leaders and 300 French entrepreneurs from 30 different countries.
  • Syria and the Islamic Republic of Iran are enhancing their bilateral ties through activating the Syrian-Iranian High Joint Committee and the Syrian-Iranian Businessmen Council. Both countries expressed their interests in promoting economic cooperation, through the Iranian companies' participation in the Damascus International Fair due next month.
  • Lebanon parliament passed new tax hikes in order to finance the new salary scale for public sector workers. The value added tax (VAT) increased from 10% to 11%, taxes on corporate profits increased from 15% to 17% as well as a 7% tax increase on deposits. Moreover, additional taxes were imposed on imported alcoholic beverages and tobacco.
  • Safa Al Hashem, a member of Kuwait parliament, is calling for imposing a 10-year cap on expatriates; to reduce Kuwaiti unemployment. In terms of population, expatriates are 3 times Kuwaiti nationals. Al Hashem criticized the government for not training enough Kuwaitis to replace expatriates and address the demographic imbalance
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   Political Events
  • Saudis are outraged amid Israel closure of Al-Aqsa mosque, some described the act as a "deprivation of their rights as citizens". Moreover, the Saudi Council of Ministers voiced their deep concern over the unlawful action and called for the intervention of the international community.
  • Egypt, Sweden and France have called for an urgent meeting at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to address the outbreak of violence between Israelis and Palestinians in East Jerusalem. Last Friday and for 3 days, 10 Palestinians were killed and dozens injured while Israeli forces were installing metal detectors on the entrance of Al Aqsa mosque. The 3 countries are calling for de-escalation of violence between the 2 parties.
  • Saudi Arabia is pushing for Sudan sanctions to be lifted; referring to the latter's significant efforts exerted to fight terrorism. Both countries stressed their common objective of countering terrorism and supporting Yemen legitimacy through their Islamic alliance.
  • 28 sentenced to death at a Cairo court for the 2015 assassination of Hisham Barakat, a top prosecutor. Barakt was killed in Heliopolis in a bomb attack, 67 people were charged. The court sentenced 15 others to life in prison, and 8 others to 15 years in prison.
  • Turkish president Erdogan is calling for diluting the Qatar dispute as it is not in anyone's interest to prolong the crisis. Qatar denied aiding any terror groups. He further accused unspecific "enemies" of firing up "tension between brothers". Noting that Turkey and Qatar are trying to maintain good ties with Iran- Saudi's regional rival.
  • The 4 countries boycotting Qatar are withdrawing their 13 demands in return to the latter abiding by 6 core principles. These principles include fighting terrorism and discontinuing funding extremism. Qatar refused to abide by any demands that violate international law, nonetheless, they admitted supporting the Muslim Brotherhood but not acts of extremism. 
  • The Syrian army is de-escalating conflict with rebels in the Eastern Ghouta area, one of the "de-escalation zones" proposed during the meeting between Russia, Iran and Turkey in May. Rebel group Faylaq al-Rahman welcomed the ceasefire, urging the government to respect it. 
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   Stock Market
  • .EGX30 banking sector has declined led by Commercial International Bank (CIB).
  • .TASI banking sector has declined led by Al Rajhi and Alinma Bank.
  • .KWSE banking sector has slightly increased led by Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK) and Ahli United Bank (AUB). In addition, real estate sector increased led by Real Estate Asset Management Co.
  • .QSI banking sector has increased led by Qatar National Bank (QNB) and telecommunication sector led by Ooredoo.
Note: Weekly values are calculated on Thursday of each week.
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Cairo Office:
Z epter Office Building  S5-6,  Area 5, District 1, 5th Settlement,  New Cairo, Egypt.  P.O. Box:  1147
Dubai Office:
Office No. N 415, North Tower, Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC, P.O Box 506726, Dubai, UAE.
Tel: +97143518187

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