The Joint Annual Meeting of the Arab Financial Institutions and Shareholders of the Council started in the Dead Sea Region in Jordan today. In an opening speech, Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Jafar Hassan said that holding the Joint Annual Meeting of the Arab Financial Institutions is essential for consultation, exchange of views and experiences, evaluation of achievements and enhancing the institutionis' role in establishing economic integration and joint Arab action. Dr. Hassan pointed out to the important role played by Arab financial institutions and funds in financing and supporting economic and social development programs in the Arab world. Finance and planning ministers from a number of Arab countries and central banks participated in the meeting.