Almotamar.net, Saba -

Yemen's Prime Minister Ali Mohammed Mujawar has affirmed that Yemen has managed to realize tangible progress at various political, social and economic levels despite difficulties and challenges the region faces in general and the Yemeni economy in particular.

In his speech in the opening ceremony the Ministerial of the 25th Ministerial Session of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) in Sana'a Wednesday, Mujawar said concerning social development, he indicated that the past period has witnessed progress in health, education, social protection and enabling women sectors, asserting that the government is working on realizing the millennium's aims which have been approved in development programs.

He clarified that economic field has witnessed real annual growth of GDP reached 4.3% during the period 2000-2006 noting that the same period has witnessed deterioration of oil production while local production of non-oil sectors has realized considerable growth reached 5.1percent of GDP.

He expected that economical growth would improve in the future to pass 6% GPD during the period 2008-2010 via support of exports of liquefied natural gas due to start early 2009 and economic, financial and administrative reforms.

He noted that anti-corruption process has witnessed a number of practical measures represented in issuing three laws, anti-corruption, financial disclosure and government tenders for enhancing government's efforts in this field.

He highlighted the great role exerted by regional and international organizations, namely of the United Nation such as ESCWA in serving countries of the region in general and Yemen in particular.

In his message to the round gathering, United Nation Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressed confidence that the 25th Round meetings would reflect Asian contributions in regional intentions for realizing all developmental aims of the millennium in due time.

ESCWA is in a position enabling it to perform active role in social and economic development in the region for it is unaligned body carrying flag of international ideals, he said.

"ESCWA has important role in Eastern Asia for working on making globalization a positive force utilized by the whole countries in the region," he added.

Meanwhile, Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Khaled al-Qusaibi highlighted Yemen's role for hosting the commission's meetings.

The Saudi minister, who also chaired ESCWA's 24th Round, indicated that despite challenges it has faced, the commission could realized all planned aims included in its 2006-2007 agenda.

After the opening session, Saudi Arabia has handed over chairmanship of ESCWA's 25th Round to Yemen.

Then, the work sessions have started discussing ESCWA Executive Secretary's report on the commission's activities for the period 2006 -2007 and on following up decisions the round has come out with.

The round reviewed high management issues, approving international transport treaty in Arab East and demand of the Republic of Sudan to integrate with ESCWA.