The president of the Federation of Arab Businessmen (FAB), Hamdi Tabbaa, has said that intra-Arab investments are not living up to their potential and do not adequately reflect the capabilities of Arab countries.
Speaking at the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM Global 2023) in Abu Dhabi, Tabbaa highlighted the impact of the pandemic on inbound and outbound investments in the region.
However, he also noted that according to the World Investment Report issued by the UN Conference on Trade and Development, investment levels have picked up again in 2022, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
Tabbaa emphasized the importance of addressing Arab investments as a significant economic issue that requires continuous research and discussion.
The aim should be to keep pace with global and regional developments and repercussions in the investment atmosphere, according to a statement issued by the Amman-based FAB.
Identifying barriers to investment
Tabbaa identified the need to identify barriers that hinder the attraction of investments, as well as factors that directly and indirectly affect investments.
He also stressed the importance of investigating the impact of economic integration and growth rates on Arab investment advancement and the factors that lead to Arab investment established abroad.
Tabbaa suggested that the Greater Arab Free Trade Area Agreement be reviewed to achieve the ultimate benefit from its advantages. He suggested amending policies to unify specifications and standards and cooperate in customs affairs.
He also highlighted the importance of investing in railway projects that facilitate Arab trade.
This year’s AIM Global 2023, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, is themed “The Investment Paradigm Shift: Future Investment Opportunities to Foster Sustainable Economic Growth, Diversity, and Prosperity.”
The event brought together over 600 speakers from 170 countries.