In alignment with the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States' commitment to advancing inter-Arab trade, particularly in agricultural exports, and in furtherance of the "Supporting the Arab Economic Integration System" project under the second phase of the Aid for Trade Programme (AFTIAS 0.2), funded by the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), the Economic Affairs Sector—Arab Economic Integration Department—hosted the "First Arab Conference on the Development of Agricultural Exports in Light of the Advantages Granted within the Framework of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area." The event took place on 1 and 2 December and brought together a distinguished group of decision-makers, supporters, private sector stakeholders, and specialised Arab organisations engaged in agriculture and trade.
The conference aimed to illuminate the benefits provided within the Greater Arab Free Trade Area and explore how these advantages can be leveraged to enhance Arab agricultural exports. Ambassador Dr. Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Maliki, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Economic Affairs Sector, emphasised that the conference seeks to foster cooperation, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of expertise among Arab nations in the field of agricultural exports. The conference also focused on unlocking the development potential and expanding agricultural trade within the Arab region, while creating an interactive platform for exchanging innovative ideas and successful experiences to improve the agricultural business environment. Furthermore, it aimed to strengthen ties between the Ministries of Trade and Agriculture and the private sector.