Enterprise Development

Meetings
Reference Material

Most countries in the MENA region are heavily dependent on primary production and resource-based sectors, with narrow export bases. The non-energy sector has been largely neglected. Countries are considering strategies of economic diversification based on inter-sectoral linkages in petrochemical and other industries, the development of agricultural resources and the growth of the services sector. FDI can play a crucial role in this process. There is a strong emphasis on financial sector development and enterprise development in carrying out the mandate of Working Group 4 (WG4). 

Outputs that have been agreed upon as result of the WG meetings: (i) Assessing economic diversification of MENA countries, (ii) financial sector development of MENA countries, (iii) improving the policy environment and building capacities for entrepreneurship and SME development.

Meetings

• First Meeting of the MENA-OECD Enterprise Financing Network, 3 May 2006, Bahrain
• Promoting Employment and Economic Diversification through Financial Sector and Enterprise Development, September 2005, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia [ Draft agenda ]
• 7-8 February 2005, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia [ Meeting conclusions / List of participants ]
• Workshop on Building Awareness of Women’s Entrepreneurship in the MENA Region, 11-12 July 2005, Istanbul