Abu Dhabi, 19 September 2004 (WAM)--Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi,Minister of Economy and Commerce issued here today a decision forminga high committee to coordinate economic policies and plans between variousemirates.

The committee will be presided over by the Minister of Economy and Commerceand will include in its membership Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairmanof the Abu Dhabi Economic Department. Sheikh Hamed will represent AbuDhabi emirate in the committee.

Members representing other emirates include Mohammed Al Abbar, DirectorGeneral of the Dubai Economic Development Department, Sheikh Mohammedbin Kayed Al Qasimi, Deputy Director of the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Department,Sheikh Tariq bin Faisal Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Department,Sheikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ajman Economic Department,Sheikh Ali bin Rashid Al Mualla, Chairman of the Umm Al Qaiwain EconomicDepartment and Sheikh Saleh bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Departmentof Industry and Economy in Fujairah. Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretaryof the Ministry of Economy for International Affairs Coordination hasbeen named as secretary of the committee.

Sheikh Fahim extended his thanks to Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed for initiatingthe idea of forming a higher body to liaise amongst emirates.

Earlier, the UAE Cabinet had assigned the Ministry of Economy to studythe idea and form a committee to coordinate economic plans and policies.