This service scheduled for launch in Spring, 2011

The Middle East is a geographical and economic area surrounded by Africa, Europe, Asia and the Indian Ocean that reflects a certain degree of similarity in various cultural, political, economic and historical aspects. Throughout its history the Middle East has been a major center of world affairs; a strategically, economically, politically, culturally, and religiously sensitive area. Middle Eastern economies range from being very poor (Gaza and Yemen) to extremely wealthy nations (Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia). Exactly what countries belong to this group is, more often than not, the cause of some disagreement.

The area comprising the Middle East is often defined squarely along political and religious lines, stretching from Northwest Africa to Bangladesh. Here, the Middle East is defined considering geographical and economic factors more suitable to the logistics of doing business across the region. Therefore, regardless of political and religious orientation, or even OPEC membership, all countries in North Africa whose major trading partners are European or African countries are considered here as part of Africa. Egypt is the only exception: Despite being a net oil importer with a diversified economy, its geographical proximity, global trade mix, the Suez Canal and Cairo’s key role in Arabic affairs place it in this list.

Turkey is also often considered part of the Middle East for religious and political reasons. However, with NATO status, continuing negotiations for EU accession, vital economic ties and 5 million ethnic Turks living in Europe, it is considered more an integral part of the European marketplace and therefore not listed here. Israel, geographically part of the Middle East and prominent in the press, is also not shown here due to its European political structure, limited official ties to its immediate neighbours, a generally non-Arabic culture, and the fact that its foreign trade is dominated by direct business with Europe. To the north, the post-Soviet “-stan” economies are all on this list, as is Azerbaijan. And finally, Pakistan is included here as the most logical crossover from the Middle East into Asia due to its stronger orientation toward Middle Eastern economies than to its neighbour India, with which it is in an ongoing state of military conflict.

A concerted PR campaign can open special opportunities in this largely cash-rich region. Contact us to get started with the right approach.

Middle-Eastern countries:
Afghanistan
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Egypt
Gaza Strip
Iran
Iraq
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Lebanon
Oman
Pakistan
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Syria
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
U.A.E. (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)
Uzbekistan
West Bank
Yemen