free zone, Dr Al-Assaf said the Arab countries signed an economic agreement in1983, and added 'but unfortunately the agreement was not seriously implemented '. 'Taking that fact into account, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia worked with other Arab countries in 1997 for establishing a duty-free zone', he noted. Dr Al-Assaf said bilateral agreements contradict with the requirements of the custom union earlier approved by the GCC Supreme Council. 'After the establishment the custom union, it is assumed that work will start for the establishment of the common market', he pointed out adding that ' but it is feared that the march of the custom union will be impeded due to violation of procedures pertaining to its establishment'. Dr Al-Assaf confirmed the keenness of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on joint economic Arab work, and said the Kingdom had made great sacrifices for realizing that goal.
