Kuwait joins regional economic talks in Cairo on trade, food and energy security
Kuwait is participating in the meeting of the Economic Committee of the Arab Economic and Social Council, which is discussing economic and development issues on the agenda of the council’s 118th ministerial session, scheduled for Thursday.
Opening the meeting, Saudi Assistant Deputy Minister of Finance for International Relations Nayef Al-Enezi called for stronger Arab economic cooperation and integration, increased intra-Arab trade and investment, and greater food and energy security.
He also stressed the importance of promoting innovation and digital transformation and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for strengthening the Greater Arab Free Trade Area and advancing Arab economic integration.
Al-Enezi called for removing obstacles to the movement of goods and services among Arab countries in a way that serves the interests of member states. He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation under Vision 2030, which aims to enhance competitiveness, increase the contribution of non-oil sectors, empower the private sector and attract investment.
Arab League Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Economic Affairs Sector Ambassador Ali Al-Malki congratulated Saudi Arabia on chairing the current session of the Economic and Social Council.
He affirmed the Arab League’s readiness to support the council’s work, noting that the meeting comes amid rapid regional and international economic developments affecting Arab economies. He called for discussions based on cooperation, consensus and efforts to narrow differences to achieve outcomes that serve Arab countries and their peoples.
Over two days, the committee is discussing the Greater Arab Free Trade Area, efforts to complete and develop the Arab Customs Union, investment in Arab countries and support for the Palestinian economy. It is also discussing preparations for the unified Arab statement at the 2026 annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.
The committee is reviewing reports by the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development on Arab food security and monitoring implementation of the Arab Program for Sustainable Food Security and the Arab Strategy for Sustainable Agricultural Development 2020-2030. It is also following up on the Arab Strategy for Sustainable Management of Rangeland Resources 2020-2040 and the Arab Strategy for Aquaculture 2018-2037.
The meeting is also considering proposals by Arab countries on digital transformation, logistical integration, food security, industrial and commercial support, economic recovery plans, and environmental and technological challenges.
The committee is expected to submit a report on its work, including draft resolutions, to senior officials of the Economic and Social Council on Wednesday, ahead of the ministerial meeting.
Kuwait is represented at the meeting by Anwar Al-Munawer, Director of the Arab and Gulf Economic Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Finance.
— KUNA
