Tuesday, Jun 28, 2011
Gulf News
Abu Dhabi The UAE Ministry of Finance (MoF) said the national team tasked with implementing Gulf Common Market (GCM) resolutions related to employment, education and health met in Dubai yesterday.
Headed by Ebrahim Hassan Rashid Al Jarwan, Head of GCC and Arab Countries at MoF, the participants reviewed the previous recommendations at their second meeting while highlighting the major developments made by various sub-teams regarding the GCM, an MOF statement said.
They also discussed efforts made to achieve equal treatment for GCC citizens in all sectors, particularly with regard to employment in the governmental, public, education and health domains. Light was also shed on the resolutions of the GCC Supreme Council for the GCM and the related executive decisions implemented in the UAE, it added.
The meeting also witnessed a number of proposals, initiatives and suggestions for applying the GCC Supreme Council resolutions regarding the GCM.
Preliminary study
The meeting agreed on a preliminary study highlighting different projects to support the common market, in addition to creating a media plan and holding workshops to increase awareness among the public and the government, private and education sectors on its benefits and importance.
Commenting on the meeting, Younus Haji Al Khoury, Undersecretary of MoF, said: “The Gulf Common Market plays a vital role in establishing sustainable and balanced development for the UAE. Furthermore, the GCM promotes the concept of a common GCC citizenship and secures the equal treatment of GCC citizens in all domains.”
He added: “As the Ministry of Finance is the official entity authorised by the UAE Cabinet to follow up on the progress of implementing GCM resolutions in the UAE, it is adamant on hosting regular meetings to coordinate with all parties involved in the UAE team tasked with supporting the GCM. The team plays an important role in realising the goals of the UAE to establish itself as a pioneer with regards to GCM support.”
The panel agreed to organise another meeting in September to follow up on GCM issues.
Commenting on the development, Mohammad Amerah, an Abu Dhabi-based economist, told Gulf News it seems the authorities want to get the Gulf Common Market rolling gradually.
“Labour, education and health are the first sectors to be unified towards the aim of forming a common market for all GCC countries. Later, it may be expanded to cover other areas such as agriculture, industry, construction, trade and financial sectors,” he said.
“A GCC Common Market is good for all members as this would work on the lines similar to the European Union and its member countries will have the ability to negotiate with other countries as one strong, large bloc in all economic matters including imports and exports,” said Amerah.
A GCC Common Market is good for all members as this would work on the lines similar to the European Union and its member countries will have the ability to negotiate with other countries as one strong, large bloc.”
By Himendra Mohan Kumar?Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2011. All rights reserved.
