This study analyses structural transformation in three Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries: Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt over a large time period (1960–2010). We examine labour productivity evolution and structural change contribution to productivity growth over different sub‐periods. We analyze the contribution of different economic sectors to aggregate structural change in the three countries. An econometric analysis is also performed to identify the main factors underlying the intensity and the pattern of structural change. Results suggest that the three countries initiated and achieved some progress in structural transformation over the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s. However, this process has stagnated at low‐income levels and has remained unfinished. Deindustrialization occurred at an early stage of development in the three countries, in contrast to that noticed in developed and emergent countries. The results of the econometric analysis suggest a significant and positive association between investment and structural change as capital accumulation increases the future productive capacity and triggers reallocative efficiency. The human capital quality and availability has a positive and significant impact on structural change. Trade openness is also expected to boost structural transformations. However, labour market rigidity hampers structural transformation.

中文翻译：

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埃及，摩洛哥和突尼斯的结构转型：模式，驱动因素和制约因素

这项研究分析了三个较长时期（1960–2010年）的中东和北非（MENA）国家的结构转型：突尼斯，摩洛哥和埃及。我们考察了不同子时期的劳动生产率演变和结构变化对生产率增长的贡献。我们分析了三个国家不同经济部门对总体结构变化的贡献。还进行了计量经济学分析，以识别构成强度和结构变化模式的主要因素。结果表明，这三个国家在1970年代，1980年代和1990年代初开始了结构转型并取得了一些进展。但是，这一过程在低收入水平上停滞不前，仍未完成。去工业化发生在这三个国家的发展初期，与发达国家和新兴国家相比。计量经济学分析的结果表明，随着资本积累增加未来的生产能力并触发再分配效率，投资与结构变化之间存在显着的正相关关系。人力资本的质量和可得性对结构变革具有积极而重大的影响。贸易开放度也有望促进结构转型。但是，劳动力市场的刚性阻碍了结构转型。人力资本的质量和可得性对结构变革具有积极而重大的影响。贸易开放度也有望促进结构转型。但是，劳动力市场的刚性阻碍了结构转型。人力资本的质量和可得性对结构变革具有积极而重大的影响。贸易开放度也有望促进结构转型。但是，劳动力市场的刚性阻碍了结构转型。