Preface

The ESCWA region marked another year of robust economic expansion, with the exception of Iraq. Lebanon and Palestine where regional conflicts and political instabilities significantly reduced their economic potential. Favourable external economic conditions, which were created recently by high oil prices, continued to buoy the region. Specifically, growth of gross domestic product (GDP) stabilized in both the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GC’C) and those categorized as more diversified economies (MDEs). Despite a deceleration of growth rate, which was observed until the cut-off point of data collection for this Survey, the level of growth remained high in most ESCWA member countries in 2006. Average GDP growth for the ESCWA region is estimated at 5.6 per cent in 2006. compared to 6.9 per cent in 2005 and a predicted 5.1 per cent in 2007.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure