MoF organizes 3rd meeting with UAE team tasked with implementing GCM decisions in labour, education and health

In line with its efforts to support decisions pertaining to the Gulf Common Market (GCM) and ensuring their implementation in the UAE, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) held its third meeting with the UAE team tasked with applying GCM resolutions related to employment, education and health.

Headed by Ibrahim Hassan Rashid Al Jarwan, Head of GCC and Arab Countries at MoF, the meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, the General Pension & Social Security Authority (GPSSA), the National Human Resource Development & Employment Authority (Tanmia), and the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources.

The participants reviewed the recommendations and decisions concluded previously at their second meeting while highlighting the major developments made by various sub teams regarding the GCM. They also discussed efforts placed to achieve equal treatment for GCC citizens in all sectors, particularly with regards to employment in the governmental, public, education and health domains. Furthermore, light was shed on the resolutions of the GCC supreme council for the GCM and the related executive decisions implemented in the UAE.

The meeting also witnessed a number of proposals, initiatives and suggestions for applying the GCC Supreme Council resolutions regarding the GCM. Participants agreed on preparing a preliminary study highlighting different projects to support the common market, in addition to creating a media plan and holding workshops to increase awareness among the public and the government, private and education sectors on its benefits and importance.

Commenting on the meeting, HE Younis Haji Al Khouri, Undersecretary of MoF, said: “The Gulf Common Market plays a vital role in establishing sustainable and balanced development for the UAE. Furthermore, the GCM promotes the concept of a common GCC citizenship and secures the equal treatment of GCC citizens in all domains.”

He also praised the efforts undertaken by all parties in supporting the GCM.

“As the Ministry of Finance is the official entity authorized by the UAE Cabinet to follow up on the progress of implementing GCM resolutions in the UAE, it is adamant on hosting regular meetings to coordinate with all parties involved in the UAE team tasked with supporting the GCM. The team plays an important role in realizing the goals of the UAE to establish itself as a pioneer with regards to GCM support,” HE Al Khouri added.

The Ministry of Finance had previously launched a page dedicated to the GCM on its website. The page allows visitors to view all executive resolutions relating the GCM and to place complaints or comments.

At the end of the meeting, participants praised the efforts exerted by MoF to enhance GCC financial and economic integration and to support the common market. They also thanked the ministry for launching initiatives to enhance the role of the UAE within the GCC council. In conclusion, attendees agreed on organizing another meeting in September to follow up on GCM issues.