For more than three decades, the ESCWA region has been exporting capital; experiencing volatile real gross domestic product (GDP) per capita growth; has the highest unemployment rate globally; suffers from rising income inequality; and has a poorly-balanced economic structure that is overwhelmingly based on the export of oil.

Statistics reveal that land transport is responsible for more than three quarters of the emissions by the transport sector worldwide. Consequently, this sector is considered to be one of the most important sectors to be focused on with regards to measures aimed at mitigating climate change, which was agreed by regional and international organizations. This study includes a presentation on energy consumption in the transport sector in general and in the ESCWA region in particular, and its implications on the environment and climate change.

This report has attempted to estimate trade costs in an important first step to identify their magnitudes and roles in hindering trade growth and competitiveness, and crafting proposals to address them.

Issue 31 of the National Accounts Studies of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) region includes available data and ESCWA estimates of GDP at current and constant prices, in addition to the consolidated national accounts for each ESCWA member country during the period 2006-2010, and the estimated real GDP growth for 2011. Data were compiled from national statistical sources and the responses to questionnaires prepared by ESCWA. This publication is intended for economists, social researchers and planners.