CHALLENGES AND RESPONSES IN THE ARAB WORLD.

(From The Middle East Observer)

Byline: MEO Research Center

A recent report by the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development indicated that the current slowdown of the world economy and the dramatic events of September 11, may have sharply decreased all global flows, human, financial and commercial. But there is no reversal of the basic trend, the driving forces for world integration are there to remain.

They are the sum of lower trade barriers, faster communications of know-how and ideas, increased capital flows, reduced transport costs, and greater movements of people. Globalisation impact on culture and politics, is as profound as it is on economics, the report added. The fact that the Arab countries are in danger of being marginalised in this new world environment should stimulate them to make the necessary reforms and implement the right policies to avoid losing their share in …