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.
Indonesia is the world’s 16th-largest economy and presents an enticing opportunity for investors, with ongoing reform efforts and attractive demographics. Meanwhile, a booming start-up ecosystem signals the country’s rising consumer power and regional influence. While headwinds are expected to follow Covid-19, Indonesia’s strong foundations will help maintain momentum in the medium to long term.
Cote d'Ivoire is an economic powerhouse in West Africa, posting average growth of 8% between 2011 and 2018. However, the rate of GDP growth in real terms fell to 6.7% in 2019 and is expected to contract to 2.7% in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent widespread shutdowns. Looking to the future, the IMF expects growth to rebound to 8.7% in 2021, highlighting the country’s economic resilience.
Saudi Arabia’s decision to weaken the link between hydrocarbons and economic growth, and pursue a policy of diversification has seen projects across a range of sectors come to fruition in the last several years. While at present the twin crises presented by the Covid-19 pandemic and the unprecedented plunge in oil prices are causing significant short-term uncertainty, the reforms that have been put in place in recent years should stand the Kingdom in good stead over the longer term.
Qatar has demonstrated considerable resilience in recent years, successfully developing new homegrown industries while at the same time strengthening its global ties. Although Covid-19 has introduced significant economic uncertainties in 2020, a rapid response from Qatar's authorities to curb the effects of the virus should stand the nation's economy in good stead over the medium and long term.
Morocco’s economy is poised to continue along its trajectory of economic growth, but GDP expansion rates will depend on the policy choices made by the government. Although estimates by the IMF project that annual growth rates will reach 4.5% in 2024, there is still the matter of ensuring that GDP growth translates into improving conditions across all segments of the population.
