Main problems of economic development and cooperation in North Africa

Abstract

North African countries are facing gigantic problems, population increases rapidly, under and un-employment is enormous, the traditional agricultural sector is backward, domestic saving is low, trade balances are in deficit and the tendencies in world trade leave little hope of export expansion by developing countries. In this paper it is not intended to present a full-fledged plan of actions for these problems. The objective is modest to show the crucial economic issues faced by North Africa in a long-term perspective and to examine them within the broad context of the sub-region’s economy considered as a whole. This approach may throw light on the role of economic cooperation within the sub-region as a means to reduce the number and resistance of existing obstacles to the economic development of this area and accelerate the rate of economic growth.