According to a survey, Qatar ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa region in terms of having a constructive business environment.

The recent survey released by the Economist Intelligence Unit shows that Qatar having the best business environment, while Iran ranked last.

The survey also showed only a few Mena countries are expected to experience an outright recession. In most of these, this will stem purely from lower oil production, as growth is sustained in the non-oil sector of the economy on the back of strong public investment growth.

Economic stability scores in the GCC have fallen for the forecast period in line with the lower oil price outlook, with the exception of Qatar where high rates of growth will continue as a result of increased production of liquefied natural gas.

Although the slowdown in GDP growth across the region has had a dampening effect on scores for the categories of economic stability and market opportunities, the scores have fallen by less than in other regions.

This means that in these categories the gap between the stronger performers and Mena narrows markedly in the forecast period (2009-13).

Middle Eastern governments will remain broadly committed to reforms aimed at enhancing the role of the private sector as part of a strategy of economic diversification.

(Sourced from THE PENINSULA)