The Arab region faces numerous challenges in developing effective business legislative frameworks. Over the past few decades, there has been growing interest in legal and institutional reforms aimed at improving the regulatory environment for businesses. Despite this interest, the region struggles with significant gaps in coordination and standardization of legislative frameworks, which hinders trade, investment, and economic growth.

To address these challenges, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) commissioned Triangle to conduct an in-depth analysis of business legislative frameworks across the Arab region. This report provides a comprehensive assessment of current legislation in four key areas: competition, anti-corruption, foreign direct investment (FDI), and consumer protection. The analysis builds on existing studies and incorporates feedback from numerous stakeholders, aiming to support ongoing efforts to enhance the regulatory environment and promote sustainable development in the region.

The findings of Triangle’s report highlight several critical issues. First, there is a notable lack of coordination and standardization of business legislation across the 22 Arab countries, leading to inefficiencies and barriers to regional trade and investment. Consumer protection is identified as the weakest area, with many countries lacking robust enforcement mechanisms. The report also underscores the need for greater autonomy and empowerment of regulatory institutions to ensure effective implementation of laws.