1、OPPORTUNITIES TO ACCELERATE ECONOMIC INTEGRATION ACROSS MENAPICKING UP THE PACE OF CHANGEKNOWLEDGE PARTNERJANUARY 20241Opportunities To Accelerate Economic Integration Across MENAForeword.2Introduction.3Economic Integration as a Driver for Sustainable Growth.4Current State of Economic Integration in

2、 MENA.8 Flow of Goods&Services.10 Flow of Capital.13 Flow of People.15 Flow of Data.18 Opportunities to Accelerate Economic Integration.20Next Steps and a Call to Action.26 Endnotes.27Table of Contents2Opportunities To Accelerate Economic Integration Across MENAForewordFor the first time since the o

3、nset of the Industrial Revolution,MENA stands on the cusp of a new Golden Age,driven by an economic transformation that will see it forge a new path of long-term prosperity for its people.Of the regions economies,the Big Three,namely Saudi Arabia,the United Arab Emirates and Egypt1 have set out-and

4、are delivering against-ambitious national agendas that will see them successfully diversify their economies.Today,they represent the fastest growing economic block in the world,with Saudi Arabia becoming the first trillion-dollar economy in MENA2,the UAE delivering record non-oil growth3,and Egypt a

5、chieving a positive trajectory4 despite recent compounding and challenging headwinds.In doing so,these key players not only act as a lighthouse for those outside the region,but also create a wider ripple effect,uplifting MENA as a whole,expanding intra-regional trade and crossborder foreign direct i

6、nvestment to support its five key transitions of energy,trade,finance,tech and talent.Many of the elements needed to tap the regions significant potential are already in play,with early and bold steps to enhance integration serving to highlight a growing momentum towards achieving long-term economic

7、 growth.And although these advances are significantly contributing to the attraction of global investors and talent to the region,there is much work yet to be done if MENA is to fully access its tremendous latent,resource-rich potential.To truly unlock its wealth,and almost USD1 trillion in addition

8、al regional GDP,MENA must embrace the strength that comes of enhanced economic integration across both countries and sectors.The role of the private sector in driving regional growth is critical to our collective success,providing the innovation,investment,and entrepreneurship that are essential for

9、 the regions economic transformation.Together,working in partnership to uplift our individual and collective contribution,we will usher in a new era of sustainable growth and prosperity.Ahmed Galal IsmailChief Executive OfficerMajid Al Futtaim HoldingPrevious editions of this Report considered the i

10、nclusion of Pakistan leading to a potential GDP unlock of USD2.5 trillion.3Opportunities To Accelerate Economic Integration Across MENAIntroductionNotwithstanding these welcome advances,MENAs5 share of world GDP(3.3%)remains below its share of the global population(4.2%),hampered by strong intra-reg

11、ional variances in the ability,opportunity and appeal for investors,innovators and talent to do good business.Addressing the latency in that gap could serve to unlock almost USD1 trillion in additional GDP.However,there are a number of hurdles to clear before the region is able to truly unleash its

12、significant potential.In earlier reports we have talked to the three levers of selective deregulation,common standards and the free movement of goods&services,capital,people and data.Leveraging case studies from the region and beyond,and with the aim to accelerate private sector action and meaningfu

13、lly contribute to public sector efforts,this years Report is an in-depth assessment of the dimensions of free movement in MENA most able to influence improved economic integration.In-lieu of any formal region-wide set of metrics,the degree and level of integration of these dimensions(both current an

14、d potential)has been evaluated through benchmarking vs.regional organisations(e.g.,ASEAN),assessing regulatory frameworks,trade and market structures as well as initiatives designed to stimulate investments and trade.Despite both global headwinds and regional challenges,MENA has continued to experie

15、nce accelerated growth and an improved economic environment in the three years since publishing our inaugural Economic Integration Report.4Opportunities To Accelerate Economic Integration Across MENAWhen considering the opportunities improved economic integration would afford the MENA countries,regi

16、onal blocs such as the EU,ASEAN and MERCOSUR provide ample proof of the positive impact on GDP growth,intra-regional trade and employment that comes from implementing collaboration frameworks and cross territory trade agreements.For instance,following the introduction of a customs union in MERCOSUR,

17、its real GDP grew at ca.3%p.a.in the 15 years post integration,compared to a growth rate of 2%p.a.in the same period prior to integration.Similarly,in ASEAN,following the completion6 of integration in 1999,real GDP per capita grew at 4%p.a.over 15 years versus at 3%p.a.in the same period before the

18、integration.7Taking steps to reduce trade barriers across integrated regional blocs has also proven to contribute to growth in intra-regional trade.For example,following the implementation of integration measures in ASEAN,intra-regional trade(as a share of total international trade)increased by 2 pp

19、 over a 10-year-period,translating to a threefold increase in intra-regional trade value.8Economic integration has been particularly transformative for the less affluent nations within regional blocs,encouraging more balanced and inclusive growth.Following the integration of the last member state in

20、to ASEAN in 1999,the three least prosperous nations within the organisation reported a fourfold increase in GDP per capita by 2022,while the wealthiest three countries saw a twofold increase during the same period.9Aside from catalysing growth,integration is an important factor in triggering greater

21、 employment opportunities for local and global talent.Following the accession of 10 countries to the EU in 2004,unemployment within the bloc reduced from 9.9%in 2004 to 7.2%in 2008.10 In the case of ASEAN,the unemployment rate declined from 4.1%in 1999 to 2.7%in 2014.11Although exogenous factors imp

22、act GDP in the short-to-medium term,these figures support the idea that disintermediation consistently benefits economic development over the long-term.Learning from the success of regional blocs and in consideration of MENAs existing level of economic integration,what becomes immediately and abunda

23、ntly clear is the need to broaden accountability to encompass all contributors to sustained economic prosperity.It is clear that success hinges on collaborative working with both public and private sectors embracing the tenets of stakeholder capitalism,and moving away from the notion that lasting re

24、gional prosperity is the sole ambit of the public sector.Economic Integration as a Driver for Sustainable Growth5Opportunities To Accelerate Economic Integration Across MENAEconomic Development In MENAIn totality,MENAs growth post-pandemic has continued to accelerate,growing 6%year-on-year in 2022 a

25、nd outperforming OECD,ASEAN,MERCOSUR and BRICS(exhibit 2)despite both economic headwinds and impact of geopolitical unrest in the region.When considering the Big Three,the average performance of UAE,KSA and Egypt has been even stronger.With ambitious economic visions and supporting social developmen

26、t plans in place to see them delivered,MENAs nations continue to make progress in transitioning away from dependency on hydrocarbon generated wealth.The GCC has led the charge,setting out diversification strategies that ensure national prosperity beyond hydrocarbons.Source:UNCTAD,World BankMENA at a

27、 glanceAs a share of the worldExhibit 1Population4.2%3.3%4.1%2.8%1.3pp0.9ppGDP2020202020222022Source:UNCTAD.MENA BRICS:The 3 MENA countries that joined BRICS in 2024(Egypt,Saudi Arabia,UAE).BRICS:The 5 BRICS countries prior to the 2024 expansion(Brazil,Russia,India,China,South Africa).Real GDP growt

28、h rate%year-on-yearExhibit 2%year-on-year201886420-2-4-62022202120202019MENAASEANMENA BRICSMERCOSUROECDBRICS22-54622-2576Opportunities To Accelerate Economic Integration Across MENAWith a reputation as a progressive first-mover,the UAEs efforts can be considered as a lighthouse for the broader regio

29、n,having centred on structural reforms that encourage investors,entrepreneurship and the development of international connectivity coupled with a robust logistics network.The impact of this shift has been a positive step in closing the gap in MENAs GDP per capita,reducing from 32%in 2018 to 28%in 20

30、22 and has surpassed the average GDP per capita of ASEAN,BRICS and MERCOSUR.The data suggests momentum is building.Beyond pure economic indicators,when comparing more qualitative aspects of economic environment(i.e.quality of institutions,infrastructure,market sophistication)vs that in BRICS and OEC

31、D,MENA is somewhat lagging(exhibit 4).However,in its indomitable way,the region has made major progress in the ranking relative to the rest of the world,jumping 12 ranks between 2021-2023 driven mainly by improvements to the business environment where MENA went up 54 ranks.12 The largest improvement

32、s were made by Saudi Arabia(up by 114 ranks),Qatar(up by 92 ranks)and the UAE(up by 59 ranks).Source:UNCTAD.MENA BRICS:The 3 MENA countries that joined BRICS in 2024(Egypt,Saudi Arabia,UAE).BRICS:The 5 BRICS countries prior to the 2024 expansion(Brazil,Russia,India,China,South Africa).GDP per capita

33、(current prices)USD thousandsExhibit 3USD thousands20181312111098765432102022202120202019MENAWorldASEANMENA BRICSMERCOSURBRICS+32%+33%+46%+44%+28%7Opportunities To Accelerate Economic Integration Across MENAWhile this is extremely encouraging,the overall economic environment remains uneven across th

34、e region a dimension that must achieve a degree of equilibrium if all are to benefit with the UAE,for example,outranking the OECD average(exhibit 4)while North African countries trail some way behind.Economic environment2021&2023,average rank(out of 132 countries)Exhibit 420212023MENA in BRICS avera

35、ge Inc:UAE,KSA,EgyptUAEMENA average Inc:Algeria,Bahrain,Egypt,Jordan,Kuwait,Morocco,Oman,Qatar,KSA,Tunisia,UAEBRICS averageInc:Brazil,China,India,Russia and South AfricaOECD averageSource:Global Innovation Index by WIPO(World Intellectual Property Organization)Selected dimensions of Global Innovatio

36、n Index;Dimensions shown:Institutions,Infrastructure,Market sophistication23176449695742391821Beyond pure economic indicators,when comparing more qualitative aspects of economic environment(i.e.quality of institutions,infrastructure,market sophistication)vs that in BRICS and OECD,MENA is somewhat la

37、gging.8Opportunities To Accelerate Economic Integration Across MENAEconomic integration takes various forms,but typically falls within five distinct models(exhibit 5).At one end of the spectrum are preferential trade agreements.They offer the signing parties advantages of reduced tariffs but represe

38、nt the least integrated model.At the other end of the spectrum is the most integrated model an economic and monetary union such as the Eurozone whose member countries share a common market facilitating the free movement of goods,services,people,and capital,coupled with a unified monetary policy and

39、single currency.Overview of economic integration modelsSelected modelsExhibit 5Source:Bela Balassa,“The Theory of Economic Integration”.In addition to having a common market,EU also coordinates economic policies.Economic integration modelsIncreased economic integrationGlobalExampleMENADescriptionPre

40、ferential trading areaMore than 2,000 PTAs in the worldPreferential access to certain products by reducing tariffs but not entirely abolishing them for participating countriesFree trade areaASEANGAFTAElimination of custom tariffs on intra border movement of goods with certain exemptions for protecte

41、d goods and marketsCustoms unionMercosurGCCElimination of tariffs/duties on goods traded between member countries and the adoption of a common external tariff against non member countriesEconomic monetary unionEurozone (19 countries)Combination of an economic union with a unified monetary policy(i.e

42、.,countries that share the same currency,and tools to control interest rates,money supply and price stability)Common marketEuropean Union(27 countries)Elimination of non tariff trade barriers to allow for free movement of goods and services,combined with free movement of capital,people between membe

43、r countriesCurrent State of Economic Integration in MENA9Opportunities To Accelerate Economic Integration Across MENAThe majority of regional blocs such as ASEAN,MERCOSUR,The Greater Arab Free Trade Area(GAFTA)and the Gulf Cooperation Council(GCC),are situated in the space between the two ends of th

44、e spectrum.Free trade areas,such as ASEAN,have eliminated customs tariffs within member borders,with certain exemptions for safeguarded goods and markets.Similarly,customs unions abolish tariffs on intra-member trade and establish a unified external tariff against non-member nations.In the MENA regi

45、on,there are two main integration models currently in place.The first one,GAFTA,established by 14 countries in 1997 and later extended to 18,13 focuses on reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers among member states.The second,the Gulf Cooperation Council(GCC),consists of six member countries and has

46、 considered additional initiatives,such as introducing a customs union(full implementation still in progress)and a common external tariff on goods imported from outside the bloc.14In assessing the potential for improved and broader integration for MENA,four dimensions have been identified as offerin

47、g the strongest opportunities.These dimensions serve as cornerstones,reflecting the openness and fluidity of sector-wide economic activities within the region.Flow of goods&servicesThe share of intra-regional trade within the regions global trade was used to assess the ease of flow of goods within M

48、ENA.Although the level of intra-regional trade has grown since 2016,it represents just 14%of MENAs global trade.This share is at 19%in ASEAN.As the worlds supply chain configurations are evolving,relevant stakeholders in MENA could consider opportunities to strengthen MENAs position as an internatio

49、nal trading hub and boost intra-regional commerce through an array of trade-facilitating actions.Flow of capitalTo understand flow of capital among the countries in MENA,this report has evaluated the intra-regional FDI stock as a proportion of the total FDI stock in the region.Even though the level

50、of intra-regional FDI stock nearly doubled between 2018-2021,MENAs intra-regional FDI,estimated at 16%,has potential to further increase.For instance,reaching the level of ASEANs 18%would imply incremental intra-regional FDI of ca.USD 9 bn,assuming constant FDI stock originating from other regions.T

51、here are examples of countries in MENA implementing initiatives to establish a more investment-friendly environment,which could help further attract regional investors.Flow of peopleIntra-regional migrants are a minority,accounting for an estimated 12%of the total expatriate population.With many nat

52、ionals in the region currently opting to build careers in Europe or North America,a sustained drive to regional talent development and job creation for MENAs growing young workforce would not only go some ways to stem the brain drain but is integral to the successful diversification into new sectors

53、 such as AI or clean energy.Flow of dataMENA currently lacks harmonised data regulation frameworks.However,initiatives that help enable the flow of data between countries can be an important contributor to economic growth and innovation,for instance,facilitating development of the technology sector.

54、10Opportunities To Accelerate Economic Integration Across MENAFree movement of goods and services is defined as absence of tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade within a defined customs area.5 The share of intra-regional trade within the regions global trade can be used to assess the ease of intra

55、-regional flow of goods.Within MENA,the intra-regional trade level has accelerated since 2016 and the region reported a 3%increase in the share of internal trade between 2016 and 2021.A similar trend was observed in the share of intra-regional non-oil trade,which grew by 5%in the same period.6 This

56、evolution has enabled MENA to reach a share of intra-regional trade comparable to that of MERCOSUR and BRICS,although when benchmarked versus ASEAN,it is clear MENA has some way to go(exhibit 6).Source:UNCTAD.The EU is included only as point of reference given its unique integration model.BRICS defi

57、ned as Brazil,Russia,India,China,South Africa.Intra-regional trade%of total international tradeExhibit 6201065602015105020212018201920202015201620172011201220132014ASEANMERCOSURBRICSMENAEU2382382392111201320121914229211020131914229Flow of Goods and Services11Opportunities To Accelerate Economic Inte

58、gration Across MENACognisant that trade can be influenced by factors independent of economic integration,such as macroeconomic and financial policy or natural resources,the evolution of intra-regional trade over time may serve as a better indicator of economic integration than its absolute value.Ana

59、lysing the growth in MENAs intra-regional trade(as percentage of total international trade)between 2016-2021,we observed two key dimensions had a positive effect:improvements in logistics efficiency and reduction of non-tariff trade barriers.It is to be noted that over the same period,tariffs across

60、 the region have been kept largely stable.This logistics efficiency across organisations and countries was assessed using the World Banks Logistics Performance Indicator(exhibit 7),which evaluates the ease and reliability of supply chain connections,including quality of logistics services,trade-rela

61、ted infrastructure,and efficiency of border controls.Based on this indicator,MENAs logistics efficiency improved since 2018,largely thanks to progress in Bahrain,Saudi Arabia,Kuwait,and Egypt.It is now at a level comparable with ASEAN and BRICS,and slightly above MERCOSUR.Logistic performance index(

62、LPI)1 ScoreExhibit 720182023Source:World Bank Logistics Performance Index.LPI measures logistical efficiency across 5 dimensions:customs,infrastructure,international shipments,logistics competence,tracking and timeliness.Score was weighted with GDP size of countries within regions or regional organi

63、sations.BRICS defined as Brazil,Russia,India,China,South Africa.Excludes Jordan,Lebanon,Morocco and Tunisia due to data unavailability.3.9 3.93.43.63.33.42.93.53.03.13.03.44.0 4.02.93.23.03.32.83.1UAEMENA3Bahrain Saudi ArabiaKuwaitEgyptMERCOSURBenchmarked organisationsMENA countries driving LPI scor

64、e improvementASEANBRICS2EU12Opportunities To Accelerate Economic Integration Across MENAThe progress in removal of non-tariff trade barriers was assessed using the OECDs Trade Facilitation Indicator(exhibit 8),which evaluates countries on 11 dimensions such as availability of trade information,engag

65、ement of trade community,automation of payments,and border procedures.Based on this indicator,MENA continues to trail behind other regions.While it showcased substantial improvements between 2017 and 2019,it then plateaued from 2019 to 2022.The Trade Facilitation Indicator implies an opportunity for

66、 further advancements in trade facilitation across the region.Source:OECD TFI indicator worldwide ranking.TFI ranges from 0 to 2,where 2(outward circle)represents the best achievable performance.Trade Facilitation Indicator(TFI)#Exhibit 8MENA 2019MENA 2017Region/OrganisationAverage TFIInformation av

67、ailabilityTrade community involvementAdvance rulingsAppeal proceduresFees and chargesDocumentsProceduresAutomationInternal border agency cooperationExternal border agency cooperationGovernance and impartialityMERCOSUR 2022MENA 2022ASEAN 2022BRICS 2022EU 20221.101.251.281.491.561.601.7813Opportunitie

68、s To Accelerate Economic Integration Across MENASource:UNCTAD.Intra-regional FDI stockAs a share of total FDI stock,%Exhibit 920065452504818161412108642020212009201220152018ASEANMERCOSURBRICSMENAEU111151397161918151918The free flow of capital can be defined as unrestricted cross-border deployment of

69、 capital.17 To assess the ease of flow of capital within a region,this report used the share of intra-regional Foreign Direct Investment(FDI)stock within the total FDI stock in that region.Between 2018 and 2021,MENA reported an increase in the level of intra-regional FDI stock.During this period,the

70、 share of intra-regional FDI in total FDI stock more than doubled,increasing from 7%in 2018 to 16%in 2021,surpassing the figures observed in BRICS and MERCOSUR.Although when benchmarking versus ASEAN,MENA still has potential to boost its share of intra-regional FDI(exhibit 9).Flow of Capital14Opport

71、unities To Accelerate Economic Integration Across MENAHistorically,MENA countries received lower amounts of FDI inflows from within and outside the region,impacted by factors such as limitations on capital repatriation,land ownership constraints,foreign equity restrictions and employment limitations

72、 for foreigners.However,recent efforts across MENA have focused on easing these restrictions and incentivising FDI,contributing to an increase in investment inflows from within and outside the region.For instance,the UAE has announced a number of reforms to deliver on its comprehensive ten-year indu

73、strial strategy.Egypt enacted corporate tax refunds and expanded free zone activities.Saudi Arabia introduced special economic zones offering incentives such as 100%foreign ownership and tax exemptions on profit repatriation and Kuwait simplified its investment process by eliminating the requirement

74、 of a local agent for foreign companies.18Countries in MENA aim to further boost intra-regional funding through initiatives such as KSAs Public Investment Funds(PIF)plan to establish regional investment firms across six countries in the region,19 focusing on sectors such as infrastructure,real estat

75、e,healthcare,and technology,with a total investment of SAR 90 bn(USD 24 bn).20These advancements suggest growing efforts in MENA countries toward creating a more investment-friendly environment,further contributing to advancing economic integration and fostering regional economic growth.Between 2018

76、 and 2021,MENA reported an increase in the level of intra-regional FDI stock.During this period,the share of intra-regional FDI in total FDI stock more than doubled.15Opportunities To Accelerate Economic Integration Across MENASource:United Nations,Population Division.Includes the total number of in

77、ternational migrants present in a given country and includes all foreign-born residents in a country regardless of when they entered the country.BRICS is defined as Brazil,Russia,India,China and South Africa.Share of expats in population%,2020Exhibit 10MENAEUASEANBRICSMERCOSUR32%33%12%67%33%2%1%99%1

78、%1%-5 p.p.12%88%12%68%12%12%88%88%GCC53%Non-GCC3%Intra-regional expatsTrend in share of intra-regional expats vs 2015Other expats67%The free flow of people within integrated regions typically refers to citizens being able to reside,work,and travel freely across member states.The share of intra-regio

79、nal expatriates within the total expat population can be used to gauge the ease of movement of regional citizens within that region.MENA boasts a high share of expatriates ca.12%of total population.However,the movement of regional citizens within MENA remains relatively limited intra-regional expats

80、 account for only ca.12%of all expatriates in MENA,contrasting with over 30%in benchmarked organisations such as the EU and ASEAN(exhibit 10).Flow of People16Opportunities To Accelerate Economic Integration Across MENASource:Migration Data Portal UN Department of Economics and Social Affairs.Exhibit

81、 11Emigration from MENA countries to other geographies by destination,Million people,20203.60.90.22.10.80.203.30.90.22.00.30.1079%9%8%21%31%16%27%5%5%5%90%5%89%2%74%22%3%3%12%6%13%9%71%47%21%47%24%21%10%38%1%2%28%29%25%23%19%33%17%6%5%7%4%6%4%65%14%11%13%4%16%21%12%33%12%20%27%12%12%20%7%9%51%MENANo

82、rth AmericaOceanaLatAm and CaribbeanEuropeAsia(excl.MENA)Africa(excl.MENA)EgyptMoroccoIraqAlgeriaTunisiaLebanonJordanSaudi ArabiaKuwaitUAELibyaBahrainQatarOmanWithin MENA,the share of expats in the population,including the intra-regional expats,is particularly high in the GCC.Countries such as KSA,U

83、AE,Kuwait and Qatar exhibit high demand for skilled labour(e.g.,in infrastructure projects)and offer relatively open immigration policies.Nearly half of MENA countries require advance visas for intra-MENA travel(exhibit 12).While some recent cases of easing movement within the region can be observed

84、(e.g.,Iraq and Bahrain allowed travel without advance visas for more MENA citizens),the region falls behind the visa-free movement allowed in other regional blocs such as MERCOSUR.A major development could be the planned introduction of a regional GCC tourist visa between 2024-2025,which would resem

85、ble the EUs Schengen visa and facilitate the movement of residents and tourists between the six GCC countries.21MENA boasts a high share of expatriates ca.12%of total population.17Opportunities To Accelerate Economic Integration Across MENASource:Passport Index.Exhibit 12Advance visa requirement for

86、 travelLibyaAlgeriaBahrainKuwaitUAESaudi ArabiaOmanQatarEgyptIraqMoroccoTunisiaJordanLebanonMENA averageASEANEUMERCOSUR6118687521086873050%Sharing of technology;talent sourcing and integrated innovation50%10-50%10-50%B17%G15%10-50%Partnerships and development of standards for production base10-50%Fo

87、od&RetailSecurity(domestic and cross border)InfrastructureIndustrials and ManufacturingBanking and financial servicesTechnologyEnergyHealthcareEducation&talent developmentOther(e.g.,professional services,raw materials)Ranking methodologyThresholds(50%)Analysis of global supply chain dependence on fe

88、w countries5%D3%3%3%5%10%8%ENot applicable10%Not applicableThresholds(20%)Assessment of impact of UAE strategic priorities on MENA integrationLowHighMedium22Opportunities To Accelerate Economic Integration Across MENAEconomic Integration Opportunities in Food&RetailThe food&retail sector contributes

89、 ca.20%of MENA GDP.As a region with a strong dependency on imports(prior to COVID,the GCC imported ca.85%of its food demand)25 establishing robust local supply chains with the subsequent investment and support for local producers has been at the forefront of the regions economic development plans.Th

90、e impact of the recent conflict in Ukraine has served to reinforce the need for MENA to establish the ways and means to wean itself off such heavy dependencies.The severed supply chains heavily impacted the grain imported from the beleaguered country,grain that provides half the flour of a subsidise

91、d bread programme feeding 72 million Egyptians on a daily basis.26At the same time,FAO estimates that around a third of food is wasted in the Near East and North Africa.27 While the Global Food Security Index places GCC ahead of the global average,most MENA countries outside the GCC are trailing beh

92、ind.28All these factors create a sizeable opportunity for the private sector to drive change in the region.The research conducted for the purpose of this report included interviews with executives and industry experts in food,retail and food logistics to identify the largest areas of opportunity in

93、the food supply chain that could be addressed through initiatives,which also support economic integration in the region.Exhibit 16Economic integration opportunities identified across the food supply chainImprove access to R&DFacilitate ease of access to banking system&financial servicesResolve short

94、age of trucks to lower logistics costIncrease warehouse space supplyIncrease maturity of cross-border supply chain,particularly in terms of sufficiency of cold chain infrastructureDevelop local talent pool with relevant qualifications for management positions No opportunities identifiedCapitalGoods

95、and servicesPeopleDataFlowsPacking house and freezing(IQF)Long haul truckingWarehouse storageShort-haul truckingRetail POSFarmingKey opportunity areas mentioned in interviews23Opportunities To Accelerate Economic Integration Across MENAFour areas were mentioned the most frequently by interview parti

96、cipants as opportunities for improvement and economic integration in MENA:Increasing maturity of cross-border supply chain,particularly the sufficiency of cold-chains infrastructure Improving access to R&D in farming(e.g.,seeds with genetics adapted to yield high crops in MENA climates)Facilitating

97、access to banking systems and financial services(e.g.,loans for purchase of seeds,particularly for small farmers)Developing more local talent with management qualificationsCross-country movement of goods in MENA surfaced as a major challenge,particularly in relation to fresh,chilled and frozen food

98、products.Operating efficient and effective cold-chain logistics in a world where consumers are looking to grocers to provide high-quality,healthy and price-competitive assortments,and considering the transportation of temperature-sensitive food products in high outside temperatures,requires an eleva

99、ted degree of sophistication.In addition to the availability of adequate cold-chain infrastructure,there are further considerations and challenges such as border controls needing to accommodate an ever-increasing volume of transported goods.Historically,companies have relied on global supply chains,

100、importing food into MENA from Latin America,Europe or Asia.However,regionalisation of supply chains and increasing importance of sustainability as the world is attempting to meet key climate goals set out in the Paris Agreement,encourage prioritisation of initiatives that could help foster intra-reg

101、ional food trade in MENA.The research conducted for the purpose of this report aimed to identify the root causes of insufficient cold-chain infrastructure and propose potential solutions,which private sector stakeholders could support,and are congruent with making food&retail operations more sustain

102、able and generating positive impact for the region.Three areas were identified:Firstly,the presence of international third-party logistics providers(3PLs)in the region seems to be limited.Historically,the limited GDP,combined with the capex intensive nature of the business,and the uncertainty around

103、 regulatory frameworks in several countries of the region,have made it risky for foreign players to invest in the warehouses and truck fleet required to start operations.Secondly,the current logistics market is fragmented among local players who often lack scale,funds and expertise to establish suff

104、icient cross-border,cold-chain infrastructure.Thirdly,cooperatives and partnerships between local food manufacturing and processing companies remain low.The scarcity of frameworks helping companies cooperate was highlighted as a limiting factor.These factors have led to a few large integrated player

105、s investing in cold-chain infrastructure for their sole use,resulting in high costs for these players and insufficient cold chain access for smaller companies.24Opportunities To Accelerate Economic Integration Across MENAThe analysis conducted for the purpose of this report offered two key potential

106、 unlocks to improve cold-chain logistics in MENA:Continued investment in expanding cold-chain logistics infrastructure,including trucking capacity and warehousing,to facilitate intra-regional land transport of perishable and frozen food.Embedding international best practices in logistics(e.g.,effici

107、ent use of multi-temperature trucks and bulkheads),in accordance with local laws,to enable energy-efficient operations.The benefits of these investments are expected to materialise through higher volume and efficiency of intra-regional food trade.In MENA,7-8%of food is estimated to be lost in transp

108、ortation and storage,compared to estimated 4-6%in North America and Europe.29 Reducing the level of loss by 1-4%to reach the benchmark of developed countries could lead to significant savings and improved access to,and affordability of,food.In MENA,7-8%of food is estimated to be lost in transportati

109、on and storage,compared to estimated 4-6%in North America and Europe.25Opportunities To Accelerate Economic Integration Across MENAThe following models could be considered to improve cross-border cold-chain infrastructure,which build on learnings from other regions:1.Partnership between food manufac

110、turing or processing company and global third party logistics player(3PL)Case study:Unilever/Maersk30 2.Collaboration between local and global third party logistics companies Case study:Americold and RSA cold chain313.Co-investment in shared cold chain infrastructure by food manufacturing or process

111、ing companies Case study:Walmart and JD.com32In 2021,Maersk entered a strategic partnership with Unilever on international freight supply chain management.The four-year agreement included developing and managing Unilevers International Control Tower solution.The goal was to enhance visibility and in

112、crease efficiency across supply chain operations.Maersk provided operational management of international ocean and air transport through its digital supply chain platform.In MENA,partnering with a global 3PL could allow local food manufacturing and processing companies to improve their supply chain

113、logistics,providing enhanced visibility of the supply chain and reducing food loss during transportation and storage.In 2023,Americold purchased a minority share of Dubai-based RSA Cold Chain as a means of entering the market and expanding in the Middle East and India.The partnership provides a scal

114、able operating platform for Americold,while connecting RSA to its global network.As a result,the capacity expansion of RSA cold storage facility is under way and another new cold storage facility is planned for 2025 in partnership with DP World.MENA might benefit from further partnerships between lo

115、cal and global logistics players.Local partners could de-risk operations for the foreign partners by providing market access and physical infrastructure,while global partners could contribute their expertise and additional investments.In 2016,Walmart and JD.com announced an alliance to combine e-com

116、merce and a physical distribution business in China.The agreement included leveraging their supply chains for cross-border e-commerce and online-to-offline e-commerce services for consumers across China.Fostering similar co-investments in MENA may require support from the authorities or sourcing bes

117、t practices of such arrangements from outside the region.26Opportunities To Accelerate Economic Integration Across MENAIn carrying out the research for this report,it has become clear the region does not suffer from a lack of support for improved ways of working.There are numerous global examples of

118、 private sector players joining forces to engage in initiatives that contributed to accelerating cross-border economic integration within their industries.However,they are disparate instances borne of a business need.It is our hope that we are able to bring together like-minded organisations,from ac

119、ross all sectors and industries to explore ways in which we can individually and collectively create an environment of common good,where what serves our organisations also better serves the communities in which we operate.Our efforts underpin our broader roadmap of collaboration aimed at boosting bo

120、th sustainability of operations and regional integration.We are excited to continue our role as one of the private sector leaders driving the economic integration agenda in the region and welcome the opportunity to partner with organisations looking to further their contributions to furthering MENAs

121、 long-term prosperity.Next Steps and a Call to Action27Opportunities To Accelerate Economic Integration Across MENA1.UNCTAD2.https:/ report defines MENA as 14 countries:Algeria,Bahrain,Egypt,Iraq,Jordan,Kuwait,Lebanon,Libya,Morocco,Oman,Qatar,Saudi Arabia,Tunisia,and the United Arab Emirates6.In 199

122、4,MERCOSUR signed the Protocol of Ouro Preto,formalising its status as a customs union7.UNCTAD8.UN COMTRADE9.UNCTAD10.EUROSTAT11.International Labour Organisation12.Selected dimensions of Global Innovation Index:Institutions,Infrastructure,market sophistication13.Algeria,Bahrain,Egypt,Iraq,Jordan,Ku

123、wait,Lebanon,Libya,Morocco,Oman,Palestine,Qatar,Saudi Arabia,Sudan,Syria,Tunisia,the UAE and Yemen14.Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council,The Customs Union15.Oxford Public International Law16.UNCTAD17.European Commission18.UNCTAD Foreign Investment Policy Hub 19.Includes Egypt,Jordan,

124、Bahrain,Iraq,Oman and Sudan20.Saudi Press Agency21.40th meeting of the GCC interior ministers,Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council22.Based on International Labor Organization(ILO)estimates of labor force aged 1564 for all countries in the region between 2020 and 2040 McKinsey report“Opp

125、ortunity youth”23.UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 203124.Saudi Data and AI Authority,National Strategy for Data&AI25.FAO Subregional Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council states and Yemen,About FAO in the region26.https:/merip.org/2023/02/the-ukraine-war-grain-trade-and-bread-in-

126、egypt/#:text=For%20Egypt%2C%20this%20conflict%20has,Egyptians%20on%20a%20daily%20basis27.FAO,Guidelines for action on food loss and waste reduction in the Near East and North Africa28.Economist Impact,Global Food Security Index 202329.The World Bank,Food loss&waste Bonds for sustainable development30.https:/