2013年-WEF世界经济论坛_Arab_World_Competitiveness_Report_2013_48页_898kb

Arab World Competitiveness Report 2013 Summary

Core Content

The Arab World Competitiveness Report 2013 is a collaborative effort by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). It aims to assess the competitiveness of Arab countries and provide insights into the factors affecting economic growth and employment. The report is particularly relevant in the context of the Arab Spring, which triggered political and economic transitions across the region. The focus is on identifying ways to enhance competitiveness and stimulate job creation, especially among the youth.

Main Points

• Competitiveness and Economic Growth: Competitiveness is defined as the set of institutions, policies, and factors that determine a country's productivity. Productivity, in turn, affects investment returns and long-term economic growth.

• Global Competitiveness Index (GCI): The GCI is the primary methodology used, assessing 12 pillars of competitiveness. These pillars are grouped into three stages of development based on GDP per capita and the role of natural resources in the economy:

  • Stage 1 (Factor-driven): Economies with GDP per capita < $2,000. These are typically characterized by a focus on basic requirements and efficiency enhancers.
  • Stage 2 (Efficiency-driven): Economies with GDP per capita between $3,000 and $9,000. These emphasize efficiency enhancers and basic requirements.
  • Stage 3 (Innovation-driven): Economies with GDP per capita > $17,000. These prioritize innovation and sophistication alongside efficiency and basic requirements.

• Arab Countries' Positioning: Out of 144 economies, 13 Arab countries are included. The report highlights:

  • Qatar as the most competitive Arab economy.
  • Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates follow closely.
  • Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait are ranked lower.
  • North African and Levantine economies lag behind Gulf countries in competitiveness.

• Key Challenges:

  • Youth unemployment is a major socioeconomic issue.
  • Weak institutions and inefficient private sectors hinder development.
  • Political instability affects investment and growth.
  • Infrastructure deficiencies in North Africa and Levant.
  • Low innovation levels in Gulf countries, which need to diversify their economies.

• Policy Recommendations:

  • Strengthen institutions and improve governance.
  • Enhance labor market flexibility and efficiency.
  • Improve access to finance and education.
  • Reduce bureaucracy and corruption.
  • Promote innovation and technological readiness.

Key Findings

• The GCI 2012-2013 provides a comprehensive ranking of Arab countries, with Qatar leading the region.
• Gulf countries benefit from a stable macroeconomic environment but face challenges in innovation and diversification.
• North African and Levantine countries have relatively strong performance in health and basic education but struggle with labor market efficiency and infrastructure.
• Labour regulations are identified as the most significant barrier to business development in the Arab world, followed by access to finance and an inadequately educated workforce.

Methodology

• The Global Competitiveness Index is based on a combination of quantitative data (from international organizations) and qualitative data from the Executive Opinion Survey of business leaders.
• The survey was conducted in 144 countries, with over 15,000 executives surveyed in 2012.
• The report is structured around 12 pillars of competitiveness, including:
  1. Institutions
  2. Infrastructure
  3. Macroeconomic stability
  4. Health and primary education
  5. Higher education and training
  6. Goods market efficiency
  7. Labour market efficiency
  8. Financial market development
  9. Technological readiness
  10. Market size
  11. Business sophistication
  12. Innovation

Conclusion

The report emphasizes the need for structural reforms and strong leadership to address the region's competitiveness issues. It also underscores the importance of private sector development and institutional reform in driving economic growth and employment. The collaboration between the WEF and EBRD aims to support these efforts, with a focus on sustainable market structures and improved regulatory environments to attract investment and enhance productivity.

Key Contributors

• World Economic Forum: Borge Brende, Jennifer Blanke, Margareta Drzeniek Hanouz, Miroslav Dusek, Ciara Browne, Gemma Corrigan, Tania Gutknecht, Hala Hanna, Sofiane Khatib
• European Bank for Reconstruction and Development: Erik Berglöf, Hanan Morsy, Nafez Zouk

Acknowledgments

• The report thanks Partner Institutes in the Arab world for conducting the Executive Opinion Survey.
• It also recognizes the Global Shapers Community, a network of young leaders, for their contributions.
• Special thanks to Kamal Kimaoui and Floris Landi for graphic design and layout, and Edmund Doogue and Fabienne Stassen for editing.