R ECENT FDI T RENDS IN THE M AGHREB R EGION : A B RIEF O VERVIEW

Abstract

From the early 1980s the Maghreb countries (Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia) have, with varying extent and pace, initiated important reforms aimed at restructuring their economies through liberalisation and privatisation. With a more market-oriented system being pursued – pointing towards their gradual integration into the global economy – these countries have made foreign investment one of the top priorities in their development process. In light of the main policy measures undertaken by the governments concerned, this paper seeks to assess the degree of their respective success in making their economies more attractive to foreign direct investment. It also reviews the degree of performance that has tended to vary across the region. Issues that need to be addressed to improve much more the enabling environment/conditions for the business to expand and diversify are considered at a final stage.