Page 8 - GCC Citizens in the UAE 2017

06 GCC Citizens in the UAE
Foreword by His Excellency Obaid Humaid Al Tayer
Minister of State for Financial Affairs
The UAE, under the leadership of His Highness
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of
the United Arab Emirates and His Highness Sheikh
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President
and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is
keen to strengthen the foundations of common Gulf
action and elevate it to the highest possible level.
The aim being, the improvement of trade and
investment atmosphere in the region, promotion of
inter-states trade, boosting the competitiveness of
Gulf industries and establishing the Gulf unity as an
influential economic force in the face of changes
and challenges in the global economy.
The Ministry of Finance is committed to abide by
the principles of GCC economic integration and
the strategic role played by the UAE in achieving
the highest degree of economic integration as one
of the main pivots of the joint action and common
work approach. The Ministry also undertakes the
implementation of the provisions of the unified
economic agreement, and the Joint Economic
Action Plan, as well as supervision of related
projects.
The ministry had created the Cooperation Council
for the Arab States of the Gulf Affairs Department
to form a specialized work cell whose mission is
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Annual Statistical Report on Joint GCC Economic Action - 2017
to develop strategic forward-looking plans, follow-
up implementation of GCC economic integration
projects, in addition, implement laws issued by the
Gulf Cooperation Council.
The Ministry continues to raise awareness and
knowledge regarding the Gulf integration issues
and its important role in activating the intra-trade
movement among member states, as well as its
positive repercussions for both institutions and
individuals alike, as it represents an economic bloc
based on the principles of mutual cooperation and
economic citizenship.
The outcomes obtained by the country, which are
mentioned in the statistical reports, have come
to confirm the correct choice of approach by the
Ministry.
They have also shown the efforts exerted by the
Ministry and the various relevant governmental
bodies to promote the framework of GCC economic
integration, represented in maintaining the position
of the UAE as a leading investment destination for
the citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council states.
GCC Citizens in the UAE
Brief on the Role of the Ministry of Finance
in the Gulf Joint Economic Activity
The Ministry of Finance works through the GCC Joint
Economic Action System. Tasks are entrusted to it
by the Council of Ministers to supervise and follow
up the stages of the GCC economic integration
process, the implementation of the unified economic
agreement, the functioning of the Customs Union,
the GCC Common Market and other economic or
financial cooperation projects.
The Ministry represents the UAE in GCC Financial
and Economic Cooperation Committee .It also acts
on its behalf in monitoring the economic regulations
and draft agreements and participates in economic
dialogues and free trade agreements between the
GCC countries and other economic blocs.
The Ministry also takes part in the preparation
of economic studies and statistical reports that
support decision-makers and presents proposals
for integrated economic projects that will enhance
the Gulf economic and financial integration between
the UAE on one hand, and the GCC states on the
other.
Moreover, the Ministry has an active role in
developing the Gulf economic action and
strengthening economic ties to achieve unity and
economic integration. Along this line of action, the
Annual Statistical Report on Joint GCC Economic Action - 2017
Ministry of Finance has continued its diligent efforts
by holding awareness gatherings on topics related
to Gulf financial and economic integration that
include, the GCC Common Market, Customs Union
and other joint projects.
This awareness campaign targeted government
departments in the country, Emirati merchants and
investors, UAE nationals and GCC citizens residents
in the UAE.
The campaign waged by the ministry has also
included sending awareness messages about Gulf
citizenship and the Gulf Common Market through
brochures and videos posted on social networks.
The Ministry of Finance has also created an
application known as «GCC-TAKAML» to receive
complaints and obstacles related to the Customs
Union and the GCC Common Market. The Ministry
of Finance is going ahead with its constant work on
a yearly basis to deepen Gulf economic integration
and achieve positive results in accordance with the
adopted strategy.