AMMAN----- August 24, 2014 ---------- In response to a request by HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman of the Economic Policy Development Forum (EPDF), and in cooperation with the League of Arab States (LAS), Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Knowledge Forum hosted the "The Cost of Inter- Arab Trade" Conference, in which the League was represented by the Assistant Secretary General of the League for Economic Affairs, H.E. Dr. Mohammad Bin Ibrahim Al-Tuwaijri.
A host of ministers of industry and trade and their representatives, accredited ambassadors to Jordan, members of the Economic and Social Council of the Arab League, representatives of Arab States in the World Trade Organization, representatives of specialized international bodies and research and study centers, members of Arab chambers of commerce and investment promotion authorities, experts and representatives of parties and media outlets attended the one-day conference.
Arab League Statement
In his speech, the Assistant Secretary General of the Arab League, H.E. Dr. Mohammad Bin Ibrahim Al-Tuwaijri, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to HM King Abdullah II and the people of Jordan, as well as HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh and the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization for the efforts they exerted in organizing this conference in cooperation with the Arab League; pointing out the significance of the conference as it coincides with the private sector’s endeavors to fulfill the requirements of the Great Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA), and complimenting the ongoing cooperation between the Arab League and the Organization.
Dr. Al-Tuwaijri highlighted the efforts exerted by the Economic Sector of the Secretariat General of the Arab League in managing the requirements for creating the GAFTA; pointing out that the main objective of this sector is now to enhance the competitiveness of inter-Arab exports and improve the efficiency of their logistic requirements.
Statement of HE Dr. Hatem Al-Halawani, Jordan Minister of Industry and Trade
The Minister stated that the valuable study conducted by Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization on the cost of inter-Arab trade represents a positive addition to previous Arab efforts at all levels, as it addresses the obstacles hindering the growth of inter-Arab trade.
The Minister highlighted the advantages the Arab world possesses that enable it to strengthen its joint negotiating position in any commercial relationship with other countries of the world, pointing out the need for Arab states; represented by the Arab League, to be prepared to cope with international developments. He also added that the Arab League must take rapid steps towards completing the procedures for creating the common market, monetary union, economic union and economic integration.
Statement of the Economic Policy Development Forum
Meanwhile, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh delivered the opening statement in which he pointed out that this conference is the result of cooperation with the Economic Sector of the Arab League, represented in the establishment of the Arab Coalition for Trade in Services which was launched at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) as he was assigned the responsibility of establishing it, in addit
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