Featured by OBG
Kuwait is advancing a broad reform agenda under the New Kuwait 2035 development plan, aiming to strengthen economic resilience and diversify beyond hydrocarbons. Recent governance and fiscal reforms, including the passage of a new public debt law, are expected to expand financing options and support capital market development. At the same time, investment in infrastructure, logistics, digital technology and industry is creating new opportunities for private sector participation. While the energy sector continues to anchor the economy, expanding activity in finance, ICT and trade is helping to broaden growth drivers. Parallel investment in education, health care and cultural infrastructure is also strengthening human capital and quality of life, positioning Kuwait for more diversified and sustainable long-term growth.
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.
Despite slower GDP growth of 6.2% in 2014, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Panama remains one of Latin America’s fastest growing economies, a trend set to continue in coming years with the IMF forecasting average annual growth of around 6.5% over the next five years.
Indonesia is transforming from a resources- and consumption-based economy to a more manufacturing- and investment-oriented one, working to build an industrial base that will allow it to reduce its dependence on imports and keep more value within the economy. Following his inauguration in October 2014, President Joko Widodo quickly took a number of vital and positive steps that so far are increasing opportunities for foreign direct investment.
Despite some recent turbulence, Turkey has strong fundamentals that underscore its potential for long-term economic growth. With a young population of 77.7m, a strategic location within four hours’ flying time of 1.5bn consumers and a diversified economy, the country has much to offer investors.
