Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, headed a UAE delegation in the meetings of the 100th ministerial session of the Arab Economic and Social Council, which was held today at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Arab League.

The UAE delegation included Juma Mubarak Al Junaibi, UAE Ambassador to Egypt and Permanent Delegate at the Arab League, Eng. Mohammed Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi, Under-Secretary for Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Economy, and Mohammed Saleh Shalwah, Advisor to the Minister of Economy.

Al Mansouri stated that the meetings of the Economic and Social Council today discussed many important topics, most notably those related to the Greater Arab Free Trade Area, GAFTA, and the details of a unified Arab customs union.

In a statement to a reporter from the Emirates News Agency, WAM, in Cairo, he highlighted the necessity of greater co-ordination and the facilitation of inter-Arab commerce, especially in light of the current global economic challenges and the slowdown in the growth of many Arab economies.

He explained that the best way to face these challenges is to solve the problems facing the Arab League, most notably those related to GAFTA and the potential Arab customs union, as well to facilitate commerce between Arab countries. This will create positive outcomes for many Arab countries, whose economies are especially affected, he added.

Regarding the clause related to supporting the Palestinian economy, he highlighted the UAE’s desire to constantly support the Palestinians while stressing his opinion that the Israeli occupation is negatively affecting the Palestinian economy.

He added that the Palestinians are required to create economic plans and investment projects, to be discussed during inter-Arab meetings with other Arab countries, including the UAE. Through these plans, many potential investments can be directed to specific areas of the Palestinian economy, with the help of the UAE’s economic expertise.

Source: WAM