An international network of routes in the Middle East could facilitate trade, increase tourism and ease political tensions in the region, according to business officials who are spearheading this project in the region, said the Daily Star.
The executive director of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), Mervet Tallawy, was quoted by the paper as saying that “the body’s 21st session would take the form of an inter-Arab ministerial round-table discussion on ‘Facing Challenges of Globalization and Financing for Development.’”
The conference, chaired by Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, will convene May 8-11 at UN House.
Although only Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Palestine have so far confirmed their attendance, Arab ministers from all 13 ESCWA member states are expected to participate, said the paper.
According to Tallawy, “this connection should improve trade and tourism in the region and connect countries…cooperation of this kind will also hopefully minimize political disagreements among states.”
Under the plans for the project, which has been in the making for two years, existing routes from Egypt to Iraq will be linked to create a network of 13 north-south routes and 10 east-west roads. Railroads, ports and airports are also to be upgraded or constructed – Albawaba.com
