Cover Story: SAUDI ARABIA The decision to renew the mandates of the key economic ministers in the Saudi cabinet has been broadly welcomed by the business community as a sign that reform efforts will continue. Robert Trevelyan reports on the challenges that lie ahead in the oil and gas sector and on prospects for privatisation in the power and telecommunications sectors

Special Report: ITALY Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema has the task of reviving a stagnant economy burdened with debt and holding together a fragile coalition, reports Robert Trevelyan. A feature on trade and investment spotlights state investment promoter Simest and assesses coverage of the Middle East by export credit agency Sace. There is also a round-up of engineering and contracting firms ...

Trevelyan, Robert, (1999)

Cover Story: GULF ECONOMIES There is no guarantee that the recent rebound of oil prices can be sustained, and there are signs that the impact of higher than expected revenues on economic prospects in the Gulf will be limited, write Peter Kemp, Vahe Petrossian and Angus Hindley. The depressed state of the Saudi project market is also reviewed by Robert Trevelyan

kemp, Peter, (1999)

PETROCHEMICALS - The rebound in oil prices will restore some of the comparative advantage enjoyed by Middle East petrochemical producers but the outlook for this year remains difficult, with no significant recovery expected until after 2000. Saudi petrochemicals issues are discussed. Report on the growing Qatari industry

Kemp, Peter, (1999)