26/06/2003
Al-Alam Alyom Newspaper 2003/JUNE /26
There has been much debate about the order of priority between an Arab Free Trade and an Arab-US Free Trade. Advocates on both sides reveal the reasons behind their point of view. ( Available in Arabic – German in PDF )
There has been much debate about the order of priority between an Arab Free Trade and an Arab-US Free Trade. Discussions into both points of view are currently underway, as various experts explain the implementations, the advantages and the disadvantages of each agreement. The advocates of an Arab Free Trade agreement raise a number of vital reasons behind their choice. Such include the ability of an established Arab Free Trade to pave the way for a Common Arab Market, stressing the fact that an Arab Free Trade Zone has already been in effect since 2007; however, it requires further advancements. In addition, it was put forward that such integration will enable Egypt to benefit from the intrinsic Arab wealth. On the other hand, advocates of an Arab-US Free Trade agreement disagree, whilst expressing their reasons. Such include the potential to expand Egypt’s exportation sector to the US Market, whilst decreasing its importation sector. In addition, the exemption of customs duties will be implemented upon the completion of signing the agreement, thus enhancing the trade between the two nations.