Middle East & Central Asia News
LAST UPDATE: September 24, 2025
Morocco Extends Interest-Rate Pause With Middle East on Edge
Morocco’s central bank has decided to extend its interest-rate pause, maintaining a steady monetary policy despite tensions in the Middle East. The bank’s decision is likely a cautious move to support economic stability amid regional uncertainties.
Insight
The central bank’s action indicates a desire to avoid adding to economic uncertainty in a volatile geopolitical environment. It also suggests that the bank believes the current interest rate is sufficient to manage domestic inflation and support the economy without further intervention.
Kazakhstan Seeks Economic Growth Beyond Oil and Leans on China to Find It
Kazakhstan is actively seeking to diversify its economy beyond oil and is increasingly relying on China to achieve this goal. The country is pursuing major industrial projects and infrastructure development with Chinese investment to boost non-oil sectors.
Insight
This pivot toward China for economic development signifies a strategic reorientation for Kazakhstan. It shows a desire to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and a willingness to deepen ties with Beijing to fund its diversification and modernization efforts.
Iraq Kurdish oil exports yet to flow as two producers seek debt guarantees
Oil exports from Iraq’s Kurdish region have not yet resumed as two major oil-producing firms are demanding assurances that their debts will be repaid. The stalemate over debt guarantees is holding up a deal to restart the flow of about 230,000 barrels per day of oil.
Insight
The dispute over debt guarantees highlights the complex and often contentious relationship between oil companies and the governments they operate under. It shows that commercial disputes can have a significant impact on global energy supply, especially in politically sensitive regions.
Uzbek president, IMF managing director discuss expanding partnership
The President of Uzbekistan and the Managing Director of the IMF met to discuss expanding their partnership. The talks focused on continued cooperation in macroeconomic policy, fiscal administration, and the development of the country’s financial sector.
Insight
The meeting signals Uzbekistan’s commitment to further economic reforms and its reliance on international bodies like the IMF for guidance and support. This partnership could help the country modernize its economy and integrate more fully into the global financial system.
