EGAR to Establish the Evian Group for Arab Youth

Moussa: Attention must be given to the future of generations.
Abu-Ghazaleh: The region is on the threshold of an unprecedented era of economic boom.

CAIRO, EGYPT -- Mr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization and the Evian Group Arab Region, announced the establishment of the Evian Group for Arab Youth as an international Arab Forum under the auspices of the Arab League Secretary-General and the Honorary President of the Evian Group, Amr Moussa.

This announcement received excellent support from attendees during the Second Evian Group Arab Region (EGAR) Meeting held May 28 and 29, 2007 under the title "Arab Forces and Global Dynamics."

In his inaugural speech, HE Mr. Moussa emphasized on the necessity of considering the future of generations and finding means to handle their problems related to education and quality.

In addition, he indicated that the Arab world is planning to change the Arab Free Trade Zone to be Arab Common Market by 2020, and he mentioned that the gross Arab trade has increased from 8% to 14 % during the last two years.

"This figure is still low; however, it is a growth and we aspire to raise it," Moussa added.

On the other hand, Mr. Abu-Ghazaleh discussed the economic future of the Arab region, highlighting that the region is on the threshold of an unprecedented era of economic boom that will include all Arab countries.

Mr. Abu-Ghazaleh recommended the establishment of an assembly for service institutions in the Arab region, indicating the importance of this sector.

"The service sector will witness growth and prosperity particularly due to the information technology revolution," he added.

Government, industry and opinion leaders took part in the meeting, which tackled major youth challenges; the Arab region and the global economic concepts in the 21st century, international, regional business leadership, and the significance of the World Trade Organization.

The Evian Group is a think tank, a forum for dialogue and confidence building across multiple constituencies, stakeholders and continents; it engages actively in advocacy in favor of an open, inclusive and equitable global trade and investment agenda.