"GCC countries are required to effectively deal in e-commerce in order to help the establishment of the GCC as a unified customs zone," recommended the forum.
It further suggested that human resources capable of dealing in e-commerce must be groomed.
Other suggestions included setting up unified technical standards for business sectors to be able to deal via the Internet, as well as highlighting the importance of setting up a legal and statutory base in the Gulf that will boost the capabilities of the GCC countries in dealing with e-commerce.
"A suitable environment must be available to make the common e-Gulf market a success. Legislative and organising authorities are required to organise legal and commercial relations via e-commerce to ensure the rights of all parties and IT should be available at reasonable prices either for purposes of education or training without imposing any fees or duties on this technology."
The forum - organised by Datamatix - suggested giving more attention to developing legislative and legal structures, developing the basic structures capable of supporting and boosting strategies on regional unification, and taking care of the technological base to increase regional productivity.
"GCC countries should grant HR training top priority and education should top the agenda of the business sector, where intensive cooperation is required among economic establishments and governments in the field of creating training opportunities and developing scientific curriculum to meet the needs of regional labour markets."
Abbas Al Makki, director, International Relations and Tariffs of the Dubai Ports and Customs and Free Zone Corporation, spoke on the GCC Customs Union. The session discussed some of the teething problems faced by the GCC Customs Union.
A common taxation plan and issues in implementing unified customs plan were also taken up.
Addressing delegates on the three big challenges for the GCC countries - e-government, unified custom and single currency - Dr Isaam Abbou Souf, senior information systems manager of the Arab Town Planning Organisation, Kuwait, said: "GCC countries have many common features that make them unique among Arab states. They have a combined GDP of nearly 50 per cent of the Arab economy.
"Decisions like the customs union, unifying the customs tariff at five per cent and approving a unified customs law will strengthen the GCC march and boost its ties with world trade blocs."
The GCC plans to implement its monetary union by 2005, paving the road for a common currency by 2010. GCC Customs Union will link the entry and exit points of the states through a computer network.
A single customs tariff of 5 per cent will be applied to all taxable foreign imports, down from present individual country rates that range between five and 15 per cent.
Quelle: Gulf News
