This document presents the importance of forests in providing natural materials such as timber, fuel, paper and medicinal plants while helping sustain the quality and availability of water. It particularly shows the role of forests in the ESCWA region as a rich resource and a shelter for different types of animals. However, the absence of adequate management and unsustainable use of the natural resources have a serious impact on the forests of the ESCWA region.

This issue of the External Trade Bulletin presents data and statistical indicators on external trade in goods of ESCWA member countries. Data are presented in time series until 2009 and were drawn primarily from national sources, as well as from secondary sources where appropriate. ESCWA hopes that this issue of the External Trade Bulletin, which provides total and detailed data on intraregional and international trade of member countries, would be useful to policy makers, analysts, researchers and other users at the national, regional and international levels.

This pamphlet emphasizes the need for sustainable growth strategies to promote investment in human resources and expanding of social protection.