The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States (Economic Affairs Sector – Arab Economic Integration Department) is convening the 15th meeting of the Technical Committee for Arab Rules of Origin from 25 to 27 February at the headquarters of the General Secretariat. The meeting is bringing together representatives from 18 Arab nations, all signatories to the Greater Arab Free Trade Area.
His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Maliki, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Economic Affairs Sector, underscored the strategic importance of the committee's discussions, noting that it serves as the principal forum for addressing all matters related to rules of origin within the framework of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area. He highlighted the committee's role in tackling challenges and eliminating obstacles hindering intra-Arab trade while also examining global and regional economic developments to harness opportunities that enhance trade fluidity across the Arab region.
The agenda of the meeting encompasses several critical topics, including the review of the report and recommendations issued by the open-ended working group regarding the proposal of the Arab Republic of Egypt on Article (17) of the Agreement to Facilitate and Develop Trade Exchange between Arab Countries. Additionally, discussions continue on the general provisions governing Arab rules of origin for goods, incorporating the observations and insights of member states. This review, which remains a standing agenda item, has achieved approximately 95 percent completion, with the remaining provisions set for deliberation before being submitted to the Economic and Social Council for final approval.
