Privatization: a review of policy and implementation in selected Arab countries

Abstract

Reviews privatization in the Middle East, concentrating primarily on Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco. Traces the (uncertain) moves away from state enterprise and state control towards a more entrepreneurial economy. Discusses the role of external bodies, such as the IMF, as well as internal obstructions to privatization ‐ legal frameworks, political uncertainties, the weakness of local entrepreneurial cultures and so on. Shows that privatization has been a limited undertaking only, noting that caution has been paramount and significant change apparently small, and that there has been no Arab equivalent of the privatizing zeal of, say, recent UK governments. Claims that assessments of success or failure are hampered by a lack of clarity about government targets, as well as by an absence of comparative data.