The events of the last few weeks are a watershed for Tunisia, Egypt, and other Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. The ongoing political events will resonate regionally and globally and, if followed by sound transitions to better governance structures, these events provide a unique...

The March 24, 2010 ministerial consultation to discuss regional cooperation and integration initiatives for the Arab world was a key milestone in the Arab world initiative, one of the six strategic directions outlined by President Zoellick in October 2007. This important first round of regional...

Among the principal constraints for SME lending is the lack of SME transparency, poor credit information from credit registries and bureaus, and weak creditor rights. If constraints can be addressed, lending can potentially reach bank targets of 21 percent. State banks still play an important...

Among the principal constraints for SME lending is the lack of SME transparency, poor credit information from credit registries and bureaus, and weak creditor rights. If constraints can be addressed, lending can potentially reach bank targets of 21 percent. State banks still play an important...

Among the principal constraints for SME lending is the lack of SME transparency, poor credit information from credit registries and bureaus, and weak creditor rights. If constraints can be addressed, lending can potentially reach bank targets of 21 percent. State banks still play an important...

The Arab Spring in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has brought to the forefront key challenges: the need to create job opportunities, equal access, a level playing field, transparency and accountability, and a fair and competitive environment. Crony capitalism, the privileged...