The fifth issue of the Annual Review, aimed at researchers and academics, analyses the degree to which the Arab economies have integrated into the global economy and the progress made in the Arab regional integration process. It provides policymakers with a set of recommendations on how best to proceed, both in terms of globalization and regional integration. Following thorough analysis, the principal conclusion of the review is that, in 2005, Arab countries made further progress in terms of both regional integration and integration into the global economy.

This study was carried out at the request of ESCWA member countries through the Committee on Transport of the Commission. It reviews the ways in which the region is responding to the liberalization and commercialization of air transport and makes a number of recommendations to regional Governments regarding regional cooperation, the establishment of a fair and open air transport market, the coordination of air traffic control, the use of information and communications technology, environmental protection and the removal of procedural barriers to trade and transport.

A comprehensive assessment of the relationship between foreign aid and development in the Arab region over the last three decades, this study defines the major trends in development assistance to Arab countries, offering a detailed analysis of the cases of Egypt, Jordan, Palestine and Yemen.