After years of strong economic growth and surging foreign direct investment, Vietnam today is emerging as a key middle-income country in the South-east Asian political and economic sphere. A nation of ancient traditions with a youthful and energetic population, Vietnam is also moving through a period of additional economic reforms, while continuing to leverage its strategic location and strong international relations to further boost its rapidly growing overseas trade activity.

At a time when a number of major Latin American economies, including Brazil and Venezuela, are heading toward recession, Mexico’s economy stands out in the region for its resilience. Projections for 2017 are couched in more uncertainty than is usual, however, in light of the lack of clarity over and the potential impact of policy changes in the US during the first year in office for US President Donald Trump. 

While Egypt continues to face considerable economic challenges as it confronts the legacy of its recent political history, at the outset of 2017 the nation’s economic planners have reason for optimism.

Sharjah’s early efforts towards economic diversification have paid dividends, turning sectors such as heavy industries and transport and logistics into key enablers of economic growth. Meanwhile, the presence of several major universities in the emirate has helped grow its reputation as a major educational centre for the region.

Cote d’Ivoire has seen rapid growth since a decade-long bout of civil unrest ended in 2011. The largest economy in UEMOA, and the third largest in ECOWAS, the country accounts for more than 30% of the eight-member bloc’s GDP.