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Increasing terrorist activity has led the Maghreb countries—Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, and Libya—to focus on antiterrorism efforts, unintentionally at the expense of full-fledged economic reform. These countries have tightened their border restrictions on the flow of people and goods, reducing commerce and depressing economic activity. In fact, Maghreb has one of the lowest rates of intra-regional trade in the world; other factors like rigid economic structures, slow productivity growth, and modest investment levels continue to stymie progress toward economic integration.

Do these countries' diverse circumstances symbolize insurmountable obstacles in achieving economic cooperation and an improved standard of living for citizens? How can the United States and European Union facilitate economic progress? Maghreb Regional and Global Integration: A Dream to Be Fulfilled utilizes two distinct econometric tools to assess four key sectors—energy, banking and insurance, transport, and agribusiness—and outlines achievable sector-specific recommendations. This book not only assesses the gains from economic integration among the Maghreb countries, but also focuses on the tangible benefits from enhanced economic ties between the region and the world economy. With this critical analysis, the authors provide an in-depth look at practical measures such as bilateral trade and investment agreements, regional arrangements, and financial assistance that can significantly boost short-term success and ensure long-term gains through integration in an unstable region.

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Preface

Executive Summary
Stuart Eizenstat and Gary Clyde Hufbauer

Acknowledgments

1. Introduction

2. Political Economy of the Maghreb
Claire Brunel

3. Maghreb Regional Integration
Claire Brunel

4. The Maghreb and Other Regional Initiatives: A Comparison
Claire Brunel

5. Maghreb Trade and Investment
Dean DeRosa

6. Gravity Model Analysis
Dean DeRosa

7. Evaluation of Trade Integration Using the Mirage Model
Marcelle Thomas, Mohamed Hedi Bchir, Antoine Bouet, and Betina Dimaranan

8. A Unified North Africa on the World Stage: Overview of Maghreb Sector Studies
Francis Ghilès

9. The Maghreb Energy Sector: Situation and Perspectives
Mustapha Faid

10. Maghreb Banks and Financial Markets Abderrahmane Hadj Nacer and Guillaume Almeras

11. Opportunities for Logistical Improvements through Maghreb Integration
Hassan Benabderrazik

12. Updating the Maghreb Project: The Case of Food Industries
Omar Aloui

13. Reviving Maghreb Integration: Recommendations
Claire Brunel and Gary Clyde Hufbauer

About the Contributors

Index