The Union of Arab Chambers continues its role in disseminating knowledge, following up and analyzing the Arab and global economic developments, publishing Issue No. 40 of the Quarterly Economic Bulletin for the last quarter of 2018, and placing it in the hands of decision makers from the Arab business community and Arab governments. This issue includes nine pivotal studies on the follow-up of important economic issues and analysis of the implications of the new developments on the Arab economies.

The first study entitled "Leadership of the Arab Chambers in Sustainable Development - A Process of Achievements" highlights a selected sample of the initiatives and activities of the Arab Chambers in disseminating and applying the concepts and objectives of sustainable development.

The second study explores the implications of trade wars on the global and Arab economies, especially the recent trade problems between the United States and China, whose repercussions are emerging with the imposition of new tariffs. This suggests that trade protection worldwide will have a negative impact on trade and investment, in addition to inflation rates.

The third study, entitled "The role of the private sector in the reconstruction of war-affected countries and the contribution of Arab companies in reconstruction, challenges, and opportunities", examines the impact of devastating wars in Syria, Yemen and Libya, and issues of funding and reconstruction. It also reviews examples and experiences of similar cases, focusing on the pivotal role of the private sector and the Arab banks and the importance of Arab joint economic action in this field.

The fourth study entitled "Developments in the Arab economy and the business environment for 2017" analyzes the indicators of doing business in the context of developments in the Arab economy, the conditions of the investment environment and the developments of reform policies.

The fifth study, entitled "Variations and wide disparities in the economic indicators of the Arab countries," provides an analytical comparison of the performance of the Arab countries according to a number of key indicators. These indicators include population census, unemployment rates, inflation rates, interest rates, public debt, and budget deficit ratios, GDP, corporate taxes, income and sales, Internet efficiency, competitiveness, and corruption index.

The sixth study, "Financial Inclusiveness in the Arab World - Beyond Bank Accounts" follows the development of indicators of financial inclusion in the Arab world, reflecting the wide disparity between the Arab countries and the gaps and obstacles that need to be addressed.

The seventh study, entitled "The Need to Enhance Financial Inclusiveness in the Arab World," focuses on the elements that must be met to achieve financial comprehension, and to review the obstacles facing it, in order to present proposals for action within the joint Arab action plan.

The eighth study sheds light on "the policies and measures required to contain inflation in Egypt", as this represents the economic and living priority of the Egyptian economy at the current stage, and the enormous challenges posed by inflation to economic policymakers and business communities.

The ninth study, "Circular Economy: A New Opportunity for Sustainable Development", sheds light on the concept of a new industrial system for the production exchange. The circular economy in all life cycles of products, goods, and services aim to increase the efficiency of resource use and reduce environmental impact to ensure a more efficient and resource-efficient economy.

Hoping that this Issue will serve its goal and its message reach’s to stakeholders and competence.