Inter-linkages between regionalism and trade liberalization in a global context : implications for an Arab free trade area (AFTA)‎

الملخص EN

Economic integration is commonly «cen as bcnitr made of four stages.

Free trade zone is the first one.

Customs union, the common market and the full economic globe system 'have witnessed various forms of these entities.

prominent among them is the European Union.

However, what emerges as significant in this context of free world trade is the degree of integration or contradiction between these regional agreements and the needs dictated by globalization represented in world trade b\ the requirements of world lude organizations ervslalli/ed by JAAT.

This, paper aim:- at consideung this context with the purpose of ascertaining means io pave the way for this globalization that goes lor free trade and removal of all restrictive measures.

The JAAT.

adopted by the International Trade Organization is considered a regional step leading eventually to free trade amongst the involved entities with the ultimate aim of achieving world-wide freedom of emerpme.

The foundation of the Arab League witnessed the beginning of mutual Co-operation among Arab Countries in the field of trade and international world efforts prior to that event were, however, not veiy eventful.

It is hoped that these previous events of Co-opeiation will pave the way in this context of free trade to a more considerable step of establishing an Arab Free Trade Zone, a step now seen the more practical given the present Arab condition It is also hoped that moie advanced future steps are envisioned The paper highlights previous Arab efforts of Co-opeiation in tiade and economic affairs as well as the challenges facing these efforts.

In addition, the advent of the Gulf Co-operation Council us an CAampJc that points towards integration rather than disintegration of free trade or a wider Aiab conicvt ol Co-operation is also discussed Finally, the study stresses the lequuements and needs of" establishing an Arab free Trade Zone, hoping to benefit fiom the international new <.ystem represented hy the /AAT, envisaging, afteiwards, nn-ie Arab Co-operation beyond this step.