Aden hosts 75th AESC workshop [Archives:2005/817/Local News]

Aden Bureau
Under the auspices of H.E. President Ali Abdullah Saleh, the economic and commercial capital, Aden hosted the 75th workshop of the Arab Economic and Social Council (AESC), which is part of the Arab League.

The meeting was chaired by Dr. Khalid Sheikh Minister of Industry and Commerce, and was attended by Mr. Amr Musa the Arab League Secretary General, a number of commerce and industry ministers from different Arab countries, and other officials from OPEC and the GCC.

The Economic and Commercial Council was expected to discuss a number of economic and social issues that concern Arab countries, particularly the idea of free trade zone areas.

The Yemen Times conducted a questionnaire with a number of participants in the meetings. Dr. Abdulamalik Abdullah, Undersecretary of Oman's Ministry of National Economy said “We expect that the meeting will increase the volume of trade exchange among the Arab countries and enhance the importance of economic cooperation.”

Mr. Mustafa al-Samah Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Finance Ministry said “I expect the meetings of the AESC to yield useful results, particularly since Yemen began implementing the Aden Free Zone, which should accelerate the process of Yemen's joining the AFTO.”

Mr. Mohammad Tawfeeq, Syrian Industry Minister Assistant, noted that holding the meetings of the AESC would give the attendees an opportunity to know more about Yemen. He added that it is an opportunity to closely watch the results and achievements of the economic, administrative and financial reforms that are carried out by Yemen.

Mr. Ahmad al-Bar'ee, Undersecretary of the Saudi Finance Ministry said “we expect that there will be a useful discussion to terminate the custom charges and this in turn will help increase the value of trade exchange among the Arab countries.”
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