1. Traditional, Market and Command Economies
Economic Systems
Traditional, Market and Command Economies

2. Mixed Economy Pure market economy = no government control
Pure command economy = total government control
All Middle Eastern countries have MIXED economies with different levels of government control.

3. Israel
Mixed economy - the government and private companies own and control the economy.
Technologically more advanced than other Middle Eastern countries.
Does not have many natural resources.
Imports - grain, oil, raw materials, and military equipment.
Exports - cut diamonds, high-technology equipment, and agricultural products (fruits and vegetables)
Focuses on service industry activities – insurance, banking, retail, tourism
Uses the Shekel as its currency
Relies heavily on US economic and military aid
Oil is not an important part of the economy.

4. Saudi Arabia Mixed economy with much government control.
Oil accounts for more than 90% of export earnings.
Oil revenues pay for education, defense, transportation, health and housing.
The government created the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation to develop other industries, including power generation, telecommunications, natural gas exploration, and petrochemicals, to reduce its dependence on oil and increase employment opportunities.
Uses the Riyal as its currency

5. Turkey Mixed economy with much government control
A large part of the economy is based on farming (1/3 of the workforce is in farming)
has a major textile/clothing industry – (1/3 of the workforce is in textiles)
like Israel, focuses on service industry activities
Private businesses are increasing and there are many entrepreneurs in Turkey.
Turkey used the Lira as its currency.

6. Literacy Rates and the Standard of Living
Higher literacy = higher standard of living
Literate people are wealthier, have better jobs, and are easier to train for new jobs.
Countries with a higher literacy rate can compete with other countries for international business.
Except for Israel, many nations have literacy rates in the 70% range.
Literacy rates are typically lower amongst women as compared to men.

7. TRADE IN SW ASIA The Middle East’s main export is oil.
65% of the world’s oil supply comes from the Middle East.
SW Asia imports much of its food and other agricultural products.

8. Trade Barriers Definition: anything that makes trade more difficult
Physical barriers that cause transportation problems:
Deserts
Lack of Rivers
Mountains
Political barriers
OPEC oil crisis 1973
Foreign governments ban trade because of human rights issues or terrorism.

9. OTHER TRADE BARRIERS Tariffs – tax on imports
Quotas – limit on imports
Embargos – limit on trade with another country

10. Specialization
Definition: production of a limited range of goods; increases interdependence
Natural resources are not evenly spread throughout the world - some areas have more than others.
Much of the Middle East specializes in oil, and this means it has to trade with other countries to get the goods the people need.

11. INTERDEPENDENCE
Definition: relying on other countries to provide some needs and services
Example: The U.S. relies on the Middle East for its oil.

12. Challenges to economic growth include…
War – especially in Iraq, Afghanistan and Israel
Immigration
Limited natural resources

13. Ways that economic development has been supported include…
Government investments in building, etc. – investment in capital
Increased levels of education – investment in human capital
“Broadening” of economies (focusing on more than just oil)
Private Investment / Entrepreneurs

14. Why does international trade require a system for exchanging currencies?
Countries import and export goods.
Countries use different currencies.
To calculate how much imports cost
To calculate the profit on exports
Countries trade with other countries.
Exchange rates – how much one currency is worth against another currency