The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, Economic Affairs Sector – Arab Economic Integration Department, held the 16th meeting of the Technical Committee on Arab Rules of Origin from 29 to 31 July at the headquarters of the General Secretariat. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Arab member states of 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, stated that the Technical Committee on Arab Rules of Origin is a key body that continuously follows up on all matters related to Arab rules of origin. He said that the meeting falls within the framework of ongoing efforts to develop these rules and align them with international best practices in trade. It is expected to contribute to removing technical barriers to intra-Arab trade and to support the implementation of the agreement in a manner that fulfils its intended objectives.
The meeting addressed several key issues aimed at strengthening joint Arab economic action in the field of trade and facilitating trade exchange among Arab countries. These included studies submitted by member states concerning the review of Article (17) of the Agreement to Facilitate and Develop Trade Exchange between Arab Countries. The purpose of the review is to eliminate any obstacles that may hinder the uninterrupted flow of intra-Arab trade within the framework of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area.
The Committee also examined a proposal submitted by the General Secretariat regarding the provisions governing the issuance of electronic certificates of origin, in line with the relevant decisions of the Economic and Social Council concerning the general provisions of the Arab Rules of Origin. The initiative reflects the shift towards digital transformation within the Greater Arab Free Trade Area, by utilising unified and secure tools for issuing certificates, thereby enhancing the credibility of trade transactions and reducing administrative and technical barriers.
During the meeting, the Committee reviewed the remaining provisions of the general rules of origin in light of the comments submitted by member states. The Committee is nearing completion of the updated text, which will be submitted to the Economic and Social Council for consideration and approval of the final version. This effort supports the objectives of the agreement and promotes Arab economic integration.
