$13.2 billion in inter-Arab trade, consumptian dominates econommies

Meetings of the 65th session of the economic and social council on the level of permanent representatives at the Arab League have started in Cairo.

The AL's assistant secretary general for economic affairs, Abdul Rahman al-Seheibani, said this session is dedicated to discussing and following up on the implementation of the greater Arab free trade zone and measures so far taken in this regard according to the set executive program and the extent of Arab states adherence to the implementation process as well as obstacles impeding this implementation.

Al-Sheibani added that value of exports among the Arab states members at the AL reached US $13.2 billion and the GNP for these countries reached US $522 billion which represents 89% of the GNP of the Arab states.

He added that the 15 Arab states which are members at the free trade area form a vast consumption market of a population exceeding 190 million inhabitants. He added that the trade volume among the 15 Arab states members represents 96% of the inter-Arab trade.