This report explains the political framework, particularly the events of 1948-1967 and 1967-1987, the First Intifada, the Oslo Years and the Second Intifada.

Given the changing business environment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries, the need for mechanisms aimed at enhancing technology transfer and at channelling investment has become vital for the improvement of the productivity and competitiveness of SMEs.

Most ESCWA member countries have ratified international environmental agreements and have committed themselves to enhancing relevant governance structures, developing action plans and submitting reports on the state of the environment.

While some analysts consider environmental standards as a valuable mechanism for improving production efficiency, others argue that compliance with those standards is an additional and costly burden that affects competitiveness.

The accelerating development in knowledge during the past few decades has modified the principles of economic growth with the move towards knowledge-based economy affecting all sectors of the economy.



The Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Transport Cooperation in the Arab Mashreq is an endeavor to establish cooperation and integration between members of ESCWA in the Arab Mashreq region.