Oman hosts roundtable on Arab integration within WTO

MUSCAT, May 12 (KUNA) -- Oman is playing host to a three-day roundtable, in conjunction with the Chinese government and the World Trade Oraganization (WTO), over efforts to boost Arab integration within the global body, state-run ONA news agency said The Gulf Arab Sultanate, one of the 14 Arab member states of the WTO, has by consequence been able to introduce a spate of economic reforms that were instrumental in luring foreign ivestors to Muscat, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion undersecretary Dr. Saleh bin Saeed told ONA.
By virute of its membership in the WTO, Muscat has struck a "balance" between its national interests and international committments, the official underlined, citing "free and fair" trade as the focal point of sustainable economic growth, he said.
The topics comprising the roundtable include the economic strategies of Gulf Arab states, in addition to the role of trade towards economic diversification and integration, while the increasing significance of the private sector will also be discussed. (end) nfa.nam