> **来源：[研报客](https://pc.yanbaoke.cn)** # The Arab World Competitiveness Report 2018 Summary ## Core Content The **Arab World Competitiveness Report 2018** is a collaborative effort between the **World Economic Forum**, the **International Finance Corporation (IFC)**, and the **World Bank**. It aims to assess the competitiveness of the Arab world and provide insights into how the region can enhance its economic and social progress through structural reforms and innovation. ## Main Purpose The report highlights the urgent need for the Arab world to transition from an outdated economic model that relies heavily on natural resources and foreign aid to a more competitive, open, and diversified economy. It emphasizes the importance of **entrepreneurship**, **economic diversification**, and **youth employment** in driving sustainable growth and social stability. ## Key Challenges - **High youth unemployment** and **low female labor force participation** are major issues. - The **old social contract** based on public sector employment and subsidies is no longer viable. - **Economic fragility** and **social instability** persist in many Arab countries, especially those affected by conflict. - **Innovation and technological readiness** lag significantly behind OECD countries. - **Labor market efficiency** and **higher education and training** are areas requiring substantial reform. ## Key Findings - The **Arab world's competitiveness** has not improved significantly over the past decade, according to the **Global Competitiveness Index (GCI)**. - **Resource-rich countries** (e.g., UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia) are more competitive than resource-poor ones. - **Infrastructure and ICT connectivity** have improved, especially in the **Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)** countries. - **Macroeconomic environment** and **labor market efficiency** have deteriorated relative to OECD countries. - The **competitiveness gap** between the Arab world and OECD countries has widened in several areas, including **innovation**, **technological readiness**, and **higher education and training**. ## Areas for Improvement - **Institutional reforms** to create a more enabling business environment. - **Investment in education** to improve skills and match labor market needs. - **Diversification of the economy** away from oil and gas, especially for resource-poor countries. - **Support for entrepreneurship** and **MSMEs** through better access to finance and regulatory frameworks. - **Enhancing innovation** and **technological readiness** to compete globally. ## Role of the Private Sector - The **private sector** needs to be empowered through **fiscal consolidation**, **reduced state intervention**, and **improved investment climate**. - **Financial sector development** is critical for supporting **micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)**. - **Entrepreneurial initiatives** such as the **100 Arab Start-Ups Shaping the Fourth Industrial Revolution** are helping to identify and support innovative entrepreneurs. ## Key Recommendations - Implement a **new social contract** that promotes **inclusive growth** and **shared prosperity**. - Foster a **more competitive and open economy** by improving **institutions**, **business environments**, and **market efficiency**. - Encourage **economic diversification** and **innovation** to reduce dependency on natural resources. - Invest in **education**, **training**, and **technological advancement** to better equip the workforce for the future. - Strengthen **public-private partnerships** to support **entrepreneurship** and **sustainable development**. ## Country-Specific Profiles The report includes **detailed competitiveness profiles** for 12 Arab countries, highlighting: - **Achievements**: Some countries have made progress in **infrastructure**, **ICT connectivity**, and **entrepreneurship**. - **Challenges**: Many countries still struggle with **labor market inefficiencies**, **low innovation**, and **high youth unemployment**. - **Policy implications**: Tailored strategies are needed to address the unique economic and social conditions of each country. ## Conclusion The **2018 Arab World Competitiveness Report** underscores the need for **structural reforms**, **economic diversification**, and **investment in human capital** to ensure the **long-term competitiveness** and **prosperity** of the Arab world. It calls for a **collaborative approach** between governments, the private sector, and international organizations to drive **inclusive and sustainable growth**. ## Key Global and Regional Trends - **Income and wealth inequality** are contributing to **social and political instability**. - **Cybersecurity concerns** are rising, especially in the **UAE**. - **Climate change** is exacerbating existing challenges, particularly in **water scarcity** in **Jordan** and **Qatar**. - **Global economic integration** and **technological change** are creating new opportunities but also demands for **adaptation** and **reinvestment** in education and innovation. ## Summary of GCI Pillars | Pillar | Comparative Strength vs OECD (2017-2018) | Relative Strength | |--------|--------------------------------------------|--------------------| | Institutions | 5.0% | 0.09 | | Infrastructure | -6.2% | 0.69 | | Macroeconomic environment | 24.7% | 3.6 | | Health and primary education | 26.9% | 0.33 | | Higher education and training | -8.6% | -2.5 | | Goods market efficiency | 0.4% | 1.8 | | Labor market efficiency | -4.5% | -11.4 | | Financial market development | -0.2% | -8.8 | | Technological readiness | -22.4% | 0.9 | | Market size | -18.3% | -1.5 | | Business sophistication | -4.1% | -5.3 | | Innovation | -25.3% | -21.3 | ## Final Note The report serves as a **diagnostic tool** and **policy guide** for the Arab world, aiming to stimulate **government reforms** that unlock **entrepreneurial potential** and accelerate progress toward an **innovation-driven economic model**. It is a **timely call** for **collective action** and **strategic investment** in the region's future.