88th session of arab economic to kick off

The 88th ministerial-level Session of the Arab League Economic and Social Council will kick off on September 12 at the Arab League General Secretariat headquarters to discuss and follow up all cases Economic and Social cooperation between Arab States. An official source at the Arab League on Tuesday stated that the agenda of the session includes follow up the implementation of the outcomes of the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit held on January, 2011 in Sharm El-sheikh in Egypt and the preparation for the Arab Economic and Development Summit to be held in Saudi Arabia in January 2013. The source added that the agenda also includes topics about the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) and the developments of the Arab Customs Union. The Council will also discuss a strategy for water security in the Arab region to face the challenges and future requirements for sustainable development, in addition to topics related to supporting the Palestinian economy and Arab food security. The official source pointed out that the Council will discuss the integrated program to support employment and reduce unemployment in the Arab countries and the establishment of the Arab Fund to support small-scale industries.