Middle East economic integration

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Middle East economic integration refers to the process of improving economic cooperation, coordination, and connectivity among countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This process aims to create a unified economic space that allows for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor across national borders within the region. The objectives behind such integration include enhancing regional trade, stimulating economic growth, achieving economies of scale, and fostering stability and peace through economic interdependence.^[1]

Policies advocating Middle East economic integration aim to bring about peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East, which they believe can only be sustained over the long run via regional economic cooperation.^[1]

Efforts towards Middle East economic integration have faced various challenges, including political conflicts, economic disparities among countries, and differing levels of economic development. However, initiatives like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) have made strides in facilitating some level of economic cooperation and integration among member states.^[2]