Arab businesswomen demand hastening of Arab free trade zone

An economic assembly of Arab businesswomen in Tunisia called for hastening the establishment of a greater Arab free trade zone and said that the Arab states could support economic reforms to increasing the participation of financial corporations in investment in the Arab states.

The assembly, which is considered the first assembly for Arab businesswomen from 15 Arab states, released a statement yesterday asserting the importance of establishing an Arab council for Arab businesswomen affiliated to the Arab League and of boosting contacts between Arab businesswomen through organizing periodic meetings to be held in different Arab states.

It also emphasized boosting the exchange of information by establishing a world stock market and an information bank for facilitating contacts between Arab businesses to become informed about investment opportunities in the Arab states.

The assembly, inaugurated by Laila Bin Ali, wife of Tunisian president, last Wednesday in the Tunisian town of El-Hamamat, met for two days to discuss the role of the banking sector in enhancing investment, loans and participation between Arab businesswomen. The meeting was organized by the Tunisian chamber for businesswomen.