Arab chambers of commerce, industry and agriculture, after a meeting held in Fez last week, have called for all economic and regulation-related problems that impede the creation of an Arab free trade area to be settled.
Participants — from the council of the general union of federations — urged the federations, Arab private enterprises, the Arab League and its specialized organizations, and Arab trade unions to find a common platform to lift all fiscal and non-customs obstacles still delaying the Arab free-trade area. This was the council's 89th session in the city, 200 km north-east of Morocco's capital Rabat.
The council also called Arab chambers of commerce to participate in various conferences, mainly one on development of Arab exports (November in Cairo) and the 2nd world congress of commerce chambers next June in Seoul, Korea.
The Fez meeting was attended by delegations from 12 Arab countries, delegates of the Union of Gulf countries' chambers and the Arab league secretariat general.
Set up in 1951, the union aims to achieve Arab economic integration, develop Arab economies, consolidate Arab private sector, support member chambers and promote cooperation among these chambers.
It is also geared toward developing cooperation with the Arab League and other Arab organizations to secure a harmonious development of Arab economic and support Arab economic services in foreign countries. – (Albawaba-MEBG)
© 2000 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
