Objectives of the Economic Policy Institute

The Economic Policy Institute was established in June 1988 as an independent department in the Fund in accordance with a decision of its Board of Executive Directors. The Basic objectives of the EPI are:

1. To enhance the capacity for economic policy formulation and implementation in member states of the Arab Monetary Fund
2. To contribute to the development of Arab economic and financial thought.
3. To promote economic and financial integration among member states.

Training

EPI organizes training courses directed mainly at middle level officials of member countries. Courses cover the latest developments in tools and techniques of economic analysis and policy formulation and are designed to serve the particular needs of the member countries. Case studies drawn from the experience of these countries are prepared, presented and discussed in the courses.

Seminars

EPI organizes policy seminars on issues of interest and relevance to the economic making of the Arab countries. Seminars are viewed as means to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience relevant to the situation in the Arab countries. Participation in the seminars is by invitation and participants usually include senior level officials as well as experts from outside the public sector.

Four seminars have been organized so far in collaboration with regional and international institutions. The first Seminar on “Privatization and Structural Adjustment” in the Arab countries was held in December 1988, the second Seminar on “Investment Policies in the Arab countries” was held in December 1989. The third Seminar on “The Coordination of Fiscal Policies in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries” held in September 1991. The fourth Seminar on “Foreign and Intra-Arab Trade Policies” was held in January 1992.

Seminars are convened for 3 to 4 days.

Research

EPI is charged to conduct research so as to widen and deepen understanding and gain new insights in the economic policy issues of the Arab countries. Research is organized in collaboration with the staff of the AMF and in association with the researches in the various agencies and institutions in the member countries and through the use of consultants. Research and publications are made available to the relevant agencies of member countries and used as input into other activities of the EPI.