The Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Chambers, Dr. Khaled Hanafy, participated in the launching ceremony of the unified Arab economic report, which was hosted by the headquarters of the League of Arab States, in the presence of Dr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Secretary-General of the League, and a prominent number of heads of joint Arab action organizations.
During his speech on the occasion, Hanafy noted the importance of launching the Unified Arab Economic Report, after vigorous continuous efforts of 4 effective Arab organizations over the past four decades, pointing to the importance of the report, which can be considered a basic reference for Arab research centers and economic researchers.
Hanafy touched in his speech on the reality of unemployment in the Arab world, that exceeds 15 percent, which is frightening and extremely dangerous, but what is more frightening is that the unemployment rate in some Arab societies far exceeds these figures, especially among educated youth and holders of higher university degrees, which is the productive category and on which societies and peoples depend in order to achieve progress, development and prosperity.
He added: This matter is extremely dangerous and calls for great attention, not only on the part of the economic sectors, but on the part of Arab governments, as well as the relevant parties in order to develop the reality of inter-Arab trade, which does not exceed the limits of 11 percent, and considered a humble number compared to the reality of the Arab countries that possess enormous natural and human resources that must be exploited in the right place, for the benefit of our Arab countries and peoples.
Hanafy pointed out that when observing the external debt index, we find that this debt in relation to the GDP, as shown by the unified Arab economic report, is not scary, as it is 35 percent, but this number also varies between one Arab country and another, and this is what calls to sound the alarm in order to bridge the gap between the Arab countries.
He continued: As for the per capita GDP, it is not bad, according to the report, but in terms of geographical distribution among Arab countries, it reflects a frightening disparity between rich and poor countries, and this needs to develop integrated solutions and not partial solutions for each Arab country separately, in a way that contributes to achieving comprehensive development in all Arab countries.
Hanafy noted the role played by the secretariat for the League of Arab States, especially in terms of attention to the economic file in all its aspects, particularly supporting entrepreneurship in the Arab world, mentioning the launching of the Arab Rally competition in cooperation with the League of Arab States, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Arab Rally is a competition that supports innovation among young people and provides effective solutions to address the reality of unemployment among Arab youth.
Hanafy called for the necessity of expediting the decision on the issue of the unified Arab visa for businessmen, wondering: How to strengthen the inter-Arab economic, trade and investment relations, in light of the presence of restrictions that limit the movement of businessmen and investors? Stressing that this issue is essential and must be addressed as soon as possible, through the adoption of legislation that preserves the interests of all Arab countries and achieves gains for them at the same time.
Source (Union of Arab Chambers)
