Abu-Ghazaleh Invites WTO Director-General to Visit Arab Region 

(MENAFN Press) GENEVA-------- October 2, 2012-

HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, a member of the Panel on Defining Future of Trade at World Trade Organization (WTO), updated Arab ambassadors on the progress of the Panel as well as its suggestions and perceptions for the future of international trade and associated challenges.

Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh met with the ambassadors at the headquarters of the Arab League Mission in Geneva, upon an invitation from Dr. Abdel Aziz Bin Shafi Al Otaibi, Representative of KSA to the WTO and Coordinator of the Arab Group.

Throughout the meeting, participants exchanged opinions and suggestions on the future of international trade and necessary reforms, particularly in the working method as well as the topics listed on the agenda.

It is known that WTO Director-General, Mr. Pascal Lamy, has chosen Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh as one of the members of an international experts panel to examine the challenges facing the future of international trade and to develop appropriate solutions. Since appointment, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh has been keen on dedicating his time and efforts in service of the Arab states, listening to their views and meeting their aspirations. He also praised the cooperation and interest in these meetings as well as the communication with economic decision makers in the Arab states.

In a joint session with member states' ambassadors to the WTO, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh announced that he will present his recommendations in a comprehensive report to WTO Director-General to be circulated to members. The report includes Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh's suggestions for WTO reform and working methods so it can fulfill various aspirations in the context of global changes.

In addition, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh sent a personal invitation to Mr. Lamy to conduct a business visit to the Arab region. A special program will be arranged for such a visit in support of the Panel's mission. Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh also commended the initiative by the Director-General in forming such a panel, as it engages business sectors and civil society in providing opportunity to decision makers to hear their voice and listen to the views of real stakeholders.

Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh delivered a speech at the WTO Public Forum with the attendance of 1500 participants from all over the world. He focused on two issues from the WTO perspective: The built-in problems in the WTO and the potential actions to overcome the crisis.