Egypt asserts difficulty of establishing joint Arab market

Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said in press statements today that reaching a joint Arab market is currently difficult regarding the different trends among the Arab states.

Moussa excluded establishing a free trade zone among the Arab states at present or in the near future, stating that Egypt is focusing in this matter with only five states on establishing a free trade zone, as there are joint views and goals that the two sides could achieve the ultimate benefit.

He emphasized the importance of working to overcome disputes, especially as the exceptions list for goods and products that many Arab states have claimed as needing special status in order to be avoid competition is standing in the way of complete integration by the year 2007 as was decided according to resolution of the economic and social council affiliated to the Arab League.