Detailing how countries in the Arab world are upholding international sustainable development treaties and developing a common market for environmentally-friendly technology are just some of the new initiatives announced as part of the Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED), according to information released on Wednesday. Prince Turki bin Nasser, chairman of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment (CAMRE), is confident that AFED will provide strong contribution to the Arab endeavors towards achieving sustainable development with one of its key outputs being the annual report on the State of Arab Environment (SAE). AFED gained status as a regional non-governmental organization, and has the backing of the Arab League. Arab countries may occupy a decent position in the new world market. "We hope that this forum will succeed in encouraging Arab businessmen and economic institutions to collaborate in the direction of opening an Arab common market for products which are friendly to the environment," said AFED Secretary-General Najib Saab. Saab added that the forum will also encourage links among Arab chambers of commerce and industry.
