The recent economic and political developments across the Arab region, popularly referred to as the Arab Spring, have highlighted a shared challenge of generating employment, promoting inclusive growth and improving competitiveness.
It has revealed the demands of the people who are calling for equal access, a level playing field, transparency and accountability, a sense of dignity, and a better economic environment for the majority of citizens. Crony capitalism – the privileged access of certain elites to favourable legal and regulatory treatment, and the coincidence of political and economic power – was a major concern contributing to the uprisings in several Arab countries.
