Over the last ten years the Egyptian economy has undergone a major transformation which has led to greater decentralisation and international competition. This transformation, along with changing circumstances in the surrounding Arab areas and the end of hostilities with Israel, has given a boost to the Egyptian economy. Without underestimating the obstacles that still stand in the way of sustained economic growth and development, this book foresees a more optimistic outlook for Egypt than do other such studies carried out by international organisations such as the World Bank.

List of tables. List of figures. List of abbreviations. Note on the authors. Acknowledgements. Introduction. 1. The Egyptian Economy and Financial Structure: An Overview: From planning to the open door economic policy. An overview of the Egyptian economy and finance. Growth, inflation, savings and investment. Public finance and the question of subsidies: the roots of the savings gap. The impact of subsidies on the Egyptian economy. Liquidity creation, monetary policy and the credit system. The balance of payments. An overview of macroeconomics and finance in Egypt 2. The Structure of the Egyptian Economy: Introduction. The obvious assets of the Egyptian economy. Obstacles to development: the demographic evolution of Egypt. Industrial growth: prospects and obstacles 3. Egypt's Social Equilibrium and Global Outlook: Egypt in the eighties: a sociological profile. The political background. Security, foreign policy and public expenditure. Bibliography. Index.