Featured by OBG
Qatar is channeling its hydrocarbons wealth into long-term economic transformation, with diversification accelerating after the FIFA 2022 World Cup. In 2024 non-oil sectors accounted for over 60% of GDP, led by tourism, logistics and financial services. Strong fiscal buffers, a US dollar peg and prudent management of the $475bn Qatar Investment Authority support macroeconomic stability. Reforms in labour laws, green investment, and small and medium-sized enterprise development have boosted private sector participation and competitiveness. The trade and investment sector is a key area of the country’s growth due to the government’s ability to leverage associated international exposure to attract higher inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI), aligning with its broader economic diversification agenda. The energy sector continues to be a boon for the economy and FDI inflows due to Qatar’s abundant natural gas reserves and its liquefied natural gas exports. Qatar’s economy is strong and stable, coupled with a population of around 3.1m, endow Qatar with vast sovereign wealth and one of the highest GDP per capita figures in the world.
The accession of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in January 2015 was the start of a new chapter for the Kingdom, and with the fall in global oil prices and continued regional turbulence there are undoubtedly challenges to be met. However, domestic stability, combined with the government’s commitment to major development projects and sustained focus on economic diversification, indicate a positive overall outlook for the country moving forward.
Benefitting from strong ties to both Europe and the Arab world, Morocco has the right ingredients for future growth: low inflation, political stability, an industrial base and a favourable climate. With the outlook improving for Morocco’s trade partners and the lower price of oil – of which the country is a net importer – most observers expect growth to be even stronger in 2015, with estimates ranging from 4.4% to 5.0%.
Following successful completion of the Papua New Guinea liquefied natural gas project, the country is experiencing a surge of optimism about foreign investment and overall economic growth. PNG remains favoured by its traditional investors such as Australia, but it is increasingly a target for new players, including China and Japan.
An upper-middle-income country situated on the Gulf of Guinea, Gabon is one of Africa’s leading oil producers. With a population of around 1.7m and a stable political system, it plays a leading role in the region through its membership in the CEMAC economic bloc.
Lower government revenues following the downturn in global hydrocarbons prices have prompted Trinidad and Tobago to re-evaluate its spending priorities and intensify its efforts to diversify the largely energy-driven economy. Thanks to the country’s strong fundamentals, 2015 is expected to be a recovery year, with the Caribbean Development Bank forecasting expansion of 1.7%, after GDP growth of less than 1% in 2014.
