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      Shifting Gears: The Private Sector as an Engine of Growth in the Middle East & North Africa

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      Shifting Gears: The Private Sector as an Engine of Growth in the Middle East & North Africa

         

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      Standards of living in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are far from the frontier, largely due to low productivity. The April 2025 issue of the MENA Economic Update, Shifting Gears, sheds light on a critical engine of productivity growth: the private sector. Businesses create jobs, boost livelihoods, and spur innovation. To accelerate the performance of the private sector, governments in the region may need to rethink their roles and firms could do more to better harness untapped talent in the region. 

      Join experts from the region for a live discussion on these issues as well as an overview of economic trends in the MENA region. 

      12:00 PM – Welcome & Opening Remarks
      - Colleen Gorove-Dreyhaupt, Manager, External and Corporate Relations, The World Bank
      - Ousmane Dione, Vice President, Middle East and North Africa, The World Bank

      12:10 PM – Report Presentation
      - Roberta Gatti, Chief Economist, Middle East and North Africa, The World Bank

      12:30 PM – Panel Discussion
      Moderated by Colleen Gorove-Dreyhaupt
      Panelists:
      - Dr. Omar Razzaz, Senior Fellow, Middle East Initiative, Harvard Kennedy School of Government
      - Dr. Caroline Freund, Dean, UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy

      12:58 PM – Closing Remarks

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      About the Report

      The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) economic update, released twice a year in April and October by the Office of the MENA Chief Economist, assesses growth prospects and provides in-depth analysis on topical economic policy issues for the region. This update provides timely insights on the region's economic trends, challenges, and opportunities, helping to shape strategic economic priorities.

      - Visit the report website
      - Read the press release

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