The North Africa Journal: Arezki Daoud Opinion: Time for Optimism ================================================================================ Arezki Daoud on 19 January, 2009 05:17:00 Is it possible that the global economic downturn that we are witnessing today may actually have a beneficial impact on the region? Algeria’s Gas Exploration Program Challenged by Tough Economic Reality ================================================================================ Arezki Daoud on 19 January, 2009 05:13:00 Oil and gas exploration is likely to go through a sluggish period in the foreseeable future. And Algeria is already testing this theory. Sonatrach Invests in New LNG Facilities ================================================================================ The North Africa Journal on 19 January, 2009 05:10:00 Two projects are currently being planned that would boost by 30% the Algerian firm Sonatrach’s production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) over the next few years. New Oil and Gas Discovery in Libya ================================================================================ The North Africa Journal on 19 January, 2009 05:07:00 Calgary, Canada-based oil company Verenex Energy Inc says it has made an oil and gas discovery in Libya in the Ghadames Basin. Can Libya Create a Tourism Industry Amid Volatile Government Policies? ================================================================================ The North Africa Journal on 17 January, 2009 05:02:00 Although the oil and gas industry remains Libya’s highest priority, the country is now discovering that it could be a lucrative travel destination. Lackluster Year for the Casablanca Stock Exchange ================================================================================ Arezki Daoud on 19 January, 2009 05:00:00 The Casablanca Stock Exchange (CSE) has had a rather sluggish year in 2008, yet emotionally busy for investors who witnessed uncertainty and drama. French Drug Maker Opens Tunisian Unit ================================================================================ The North Africa Journal on 19 January, 2009 04:54:00 French drug maker Pierre Fabre has opened a production unit in Tunisia, in partnership with local peer SIPHAT Algeria’s Pending Accession to Arab Free-Trade Zone Raises Tension in the Business World ================================================================================ The North Africa Journal on 20 January, 2009 04:50:00 Scores of Algerian business leaders have voiced their opposition to their country’s accession to an Arab free-trade zone (AFTZ). Morocco: Substantial Rise in Food Prices in 2008 and Temporary Break in 2009 ================================================================================ The North Africa Journal on 20 January, 2009 04:46:00 The year 2008 was particularly difficult for the Moroccans, ending with a substantial erosion of household finances. Algeria Adopts a 2009 Budget with a Deficit of more than €2.4 Billion ================================================================================ The North Africa Journal on 20 January, 2009 04:43:00 The Algerian budget for the year 2009 has been drafted on the basis of a barrel of oil averaging $37. Algeria to Impose New Tax on Foreign Company Dividends ================================================================================ The North Africa Journal on 20 January, 2009 04:38:00 Algeria’s 2009 state budget recently endorsed by both the national assembly and the president introduced a new tax on dividends transferred by foreign companies working in the country to their headquarters abroad. Set Back for Algerian Civil Liberties in 2008 ================================================================================ The North Africa Journal on 20 January, 2009 04:31:00 2008 was a dismal year for civil liberties and civil rights in Algeria. Swiss Mission to Tripoli Seeks to Resolve Diplomatic Standstill ================================================================================ The North Africa Journal on 20 January, 2009 01:29:00 Switzerland is sending a diplomatic mission to Tripoli to try to ease tension between the two countries. The Faces of North Africa’s Capitalism ================================================================================ Arezki Daoud on 15 January, 2009 02:15:00 From Old School Entrepreneurs to Technical Experts Leading Maghreb Economies into the 21st Century 212th Issue Now Available ================================================================================ Arezki Daoud on 17 January, 2009 01:12:00 The latest issue of The North Africa Journal (January 2009) is now available and ready for download Tunisian Banking in Perpetual Transition, Shows Signs of Progress ================================================================================ Arezki Daoud on 19 January, 2009 02:08:00 With some 20 banks competing, the Tunisian banking sector appears dense and rich, but it is still heavily weighed toward state-owned banks. Morocco, Tunisia: Not Giving up on Oil and Gas ================================================================================ The North Africa Journal on 29 January, 2009 09:20:00 Eight Years After the Talsint Debacle and Morocco Continues to Hope for Oil. It has been eight years since the Talsint debacle took place. In the year 2000, the Moroccan public awakened with the news that oil was discovered in the Talsint region, only to learn later that the news was bogus. Earthquake Readiness: Sub Standard Housing is Major Risk for Algerian Cities ================================================================================ Arezki Daoud on 29 January, 2009 09:03:00 In 1980 when the then-town of El Asnam (Chlef today) was devastated by an earthquake, famed geologist Haroun Tazieff warned of the big one that was yet to come. His televised expert opinion scared many and millions of Algerians did not like what they heard. North African Companies Coping with the Global Economic Crisis ================================================================================ Arezki Daoud on 19 January, 2009 01:05:00 The global economic meltdown is being felt in different ways by North African companies but ultimately the outcome is the same: pain and uncertainty. January 30, 2009 eLetter ================================================================================ The North Africa Journal on 28 January, 2009 09:35:00 This issue addresses the following topics: