This Bulletin presents data and statistical indicators on external trade in goods in the member countries of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). Those data are presented in time series until 2011, and have been primarily drawn from national sources and from secondary sources when needed. The aim of this Bulletin is to provide detailed data on intraregional and international trade in member countries for policymakers, analysts, researchers and other users at the national, regional and international levels. The Bulletin comprises three parts.

In a significant step coming at a critical time in the history of the region, Arab officials and highly skilled experts and intellectuals will gather at UNESCWA to participate in a meeting on the “Role of UNESCWA in Servicing its Member States, the Next Five Years.” The meeting, which will bring together prominent officials and academics, will continue until Wednesday, 25 January 2006.

Beirut, 20 September 2011 (UN Information Services) — Against the backdrop of development challenges facing Arab countries and the popular movements sweeping the region, ESCWA today opened an expert group meeting at the UN House in Beirut to discuss recent transformations in the Arab world and develop the Commission’s strategic framework for the 2014-2015 biennium.