The Arab Economic and Social Council concluded its 80th meeting in Cairo today. Minister of Finance Ibrahim Al-Assaf led the Saudi delegation to the meeting, which was held at the Arab League headquarters.

In remarks to the press, Al-Assaf said that the meeting focused on preparations for the 2008 Arab economic and social development summit.

Other items on the agenda included a greater Arab free trade zone, overcoming barriers to pan-Arab trade as well as a plan for education and scientific research in the Arab world.

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