Conference on ‘Research initiatives on the Economics of the Middle East’
On 5th and 6th November 2018, the third edition of the ‘Research initiative on the Economics of the Middle East’ conference was held in Paris.
Coordinated by the Institute of Economic and Social Development Studies (IEDES) and the Centre for Middle East and North Africa of Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, the conference brought together more than 50 researchers from over 15 countries to present their most recent research.
The event was organised in collaboration with FEMISE (Forum Euroméditerranéen des Instituts de Sciences Économiques), the University of Oxford, Heriot-Watt University and Sciences Po Lille. FEMISE is a Euromed network established in 2005 which gathers more than 90 members of economic research institutes. Together they represent the 37 partners of the Barcelona Process.
The main objective of the initiative is to provide a platform for young researchers to present their findings and engage in the process of drafting a policy agenda for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Challenges from across this region were discussed at the conference, from Morocco to Lebanon.
During these two days, sessions covered issues including the impact of refugees; inequality; poverty and education; political economy of government policies; industrial policies; cronyism and firms’ behaviour, competition, corruption and macroeconomic policies.
Prof. Sevket Pamuk (specialist in the economic history of the Middle East) concluded the inaugural keynote on “Uneven Centuries: observations on Economic Development in Turkey”.
To access the conference agenda and some of the papers presented, please click here.