Regional Economic Integration in the Maghreb: The Present State and Future Prospects

Abstract

At present, the majority of countries are involved in regional economic associations. National economies are attracted primarily to the neighboring countries and regions. MENA countries have generally failed to seriously implement most PTAs. On the political front, concerns over the distribution of gains from integration across and within countries, issues of national sovereignty, and the cost of adjustment resulting from increased competition, all constrained intra-MENA FTAs. On the economic front, Arab countries have not had sufficient incentives to integrate because of similar production structures sheltered by high levels of protection. The research is focused at proceedings and prospects of integration process in the Arab Maghreb.