By Emad Al-Askar and Talal Al-Kayed
(with photos) DAMASCUS, Nov 13 (KUNA) -- The Arab Economic, Development, and Social Summit to be hosted in the State of Kuwait is of great importance and the items to be discussed are to have direct impact on Arab peoples' lives, Syrian Economy Minister Amer Lutfi told KUNA on Thursday.
Lutfi noted that this is a summit with focus on quality and content rather than quantity of items listed on the agenda. He added Arab states have to do their part and cooperate to help achieve the goals of the summit, including economic integration and food security.
He further pointed out more investment must be pumped into agriculture and food industries and into joint projects in related fields.
The minister expressed hope the summit yield resolutions that could and would be put into effect.
Integration in all fields makes more and more sense as the world shifts more and more to blocs and collaborations, he noted.
The Syrian official remarked it is vital Arab leaders attend, as this summit is a unique opportunity to sit down and work out solutions for the best interest of their subjects and nations.
As to Syria's economic standing and effort to join the World Trade Organization, he said his country is facing serious challenge, on both economic and political fronts. But, the state still managed to implement its plans. Serious amendments of legislation recently even enabled the state's achievements to surpass forecasts, he added.
The state's economy grew six percent, private sector contribution grew from 35 to 68 percent of the GDP, and "had it not been for the so called 'Syria Accountability' affair, we would have accomplished even more," the minister pointed out.
Syria, like all other nations, is taking measures to curb hikes in prices, to free trade, to protect intellectual property rights, and to more effectively regulate its economy. (end) ek.tk.wsa KUNA 131043 Nov 08NNNN