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3.3.2. Interdependencies in the MENA region
Although the MENA countries GDP per capita (US$ 7,690) is nearly double that of China’s, it is difficult
to see the countries as a whole being able to take collective advantage of this wealth because of the
structural diversity in the region. There are common religions, customs and shared languages but
considerable disparities in the size of the economies (Figure 3.5). This level of diversity can put a brake
on interdependencies in the region, a problem exacerbated by the dependency of oil exporting countries
on non-MENA destinations. There are, however, some positive signs of growing intra-OIC trade both
within and outside the MENA countries which reflect the growing nature of interdependencies echoing
much of what is happening in the wider South-South nexus of the OIC.
Figure 3.5: Diverse Economies in the MENA Regions (by GDP)
Source: Bazian and Balze, Insead/PWC, 2011
Examining the figures of a country bucking the trend, Egypt, we find that the share of intra-OIC exports
of this country has increased from 12% to nearly 23% in 9 years (Table below). The range of products
stretches from petroleum to textiles and cereals which could also suggest a sharper focus on trade between
these countries now and in the future. Egypt is a major actor in terms of exports and imports among the
OIC. Figures for Saudi Arabia also show an upward trend (see Table below) although the share in intra-
OIC exports has not increased as dramatically as in the case of Egypt. A greater reliance on petroleum
exports may account for the difference.