The Political Economy of SOE Privatization and Governance Reform in the MENA Region

Author

Akoum, Ibrahim

Source

ISRN Economics

Issue

Vol. 2012, Issue 2012 (31 Dec. 2012), pp.1-9, 9 p.

Publisher

Hindawi Publishing Corporation

Publication Date

2012-11-26

Country of Publication

Egypt

No. of Pages

9

Main Subjects

Economy

Abstract EN

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the political economy aspects of state-owned-enterprises (SOEs) governance and privatization in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

In particular, the paper presents an overview of privatization in the region and examines the extent to which SOEs operate at arm's length from the public sector and the motives for this behavior.

Showing empirically the region’s relative reticence on privatizing public assets, the paper highlights the political economy aspects contributing to this impasse, offers Lebanon as a case study, and suggests a policy framework for successful reform of SOEs.

Highlighting the lack of sustainable drives for SOEs reform and privatization in the region and the need for better governance systems based on the rule of law, property rights protection, and combating corruption, the paper proposes policy options to deal with privatization and improve the governance of SOEs through advocating a state-owned enterprise governance framework.

This framework suggests subjecting SOEs to regulation and supervision of more than one government entity as opposed to only one ministry of custody.

This should help to ensure a level-playing field in the industry and reduce the pressure on SOEs to heed to political pressures.

American Psychological Association (APA)

Akoum, Ibrahim. 2012. The Political Economy of SOE Privatization and Governance Reform in the MENA Region. ISRN Economics،Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-493448

Modern Language Association (MLA)

Akoum, Ibrahim. The Political Economy of SOE Privatization and Governance Reform in the MENA Region. ISRN Economics No. 2012 (2012), pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-493448

American Medical Association (AMA)

Akoum, Ibrahim. The Political Economy of SOE Privatization and Governance Reform in the MENA Region. ISRN Economics. 2012. Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-493448

Data Type

Journal Articles

Language

English

Notes

Includes bibliographical references

Record ID

BIM-493448