Economic Trends and Impacts in the ESCWA Region : Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia Issue No. 2

This study examines the financial systems in economies of the Middle East, also know as ESCWA region, and the role of these systems in terms of economic growth in the region.

Such an examination aims to contribute to a better understanding of the functioning of financial markets in the ESCWA region, and of the regulatory framework that must be developed to avoid a similar crisis to the one that occurred in East Asia.

It also endeavours to enable countries to achieve higher growth rates than in the past.

In addition, this study outlines recommendations for policy makers to enable them to cope with Basel II and its impact on the banking system in the ESCWA region.

Publishing Agency: United Nations (UN).