Includes bibliographies

Acknowledgments -- About the authors and contributors -- Abbreviations -- Overview -Introduction -- 1 Too little too late : private sector growth and labor demand -- Economic growth has been moderate and job growth weak drivers of job growth : young firms and productive firms create more jobs -- MENA needs a larger pool of young firms and productive firms -- 2 Distorted dynamics : The impact of policies on firm dynamics and job growth -- Attracting FDI in services sparked job growth in domestic firms in Jordan --Business regulations limit employment growth among young firms in Morocco -- Energy subsidies in the Arab Republic of Egypt discourage growth in labor-intensive industries -- Discriminatory policy