We are pleased to issue issue No. 35 of the quarterly economic bulletin for the third quarter of 2017, which includes six specialized studies on central issues of the Arab economy, all prepared by the Economic Research Department of the Federation of Arab Chambers. These include exchange rates, oil prices, Tourism, the belt initiative and the Chinese road.

The first study deals with "Effective Exchange Rate Policies in the midst of Political Transformation and the Current Economic Developments in the Arab World" to examine the impact of volatility on Arab economies, identify reforms needed to stabilize national currencies and stimulate Arab economic growth.

The second study reviews the impact of oil price trends on the Arab private sector and the need to enhance its role in diversifying the economy and deepening economic integration among the Arab countries. It aims at identifying the implications for the Arab economies at the level of countries and at the sectoral level and on private investments, identifying the requirements and conditions for removing obstacles, advancing economic diversification and the effective participation of the Arab private sector in Arab economic development and integration.

The third study, entitled "Greater Arab Free Trade Area between Trade Closing Trends and Silk Road Prospects," aims at forming an objective assessment of the performance of the region in the light of global and regional developments, and identifying the options available to breach the situation and address the constraints facing Arab trade integration. At the Arab regional level, or by expanding the Arab trade potential at the international level by taking advantage of the unique opportunity of China's new initiative to establish the new Silk Road.

The fourth study deals with the topic of "Emerging Companies is a Key to Achieving Quality Development in the Arab World", in order to highlight the pivotal importance of these companies and their development needs and the need to keep pace with the new needs of the knowledge economy rather than being burdened by outdated legislation.

The fifth study highlights the theme of sustainable tourism under the theme: "After the 2017 World Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, what is on the Arab Tourism Agenda?", In order to highlight the importance of keeping up with Arab tourism and modernity. For a common Arab vision that expands the horizons of this vital sector of the Arab economy.

The sixth study, "How Can Arab Countries Benefit from China Belt & Road Initiative," aims to highlight China's new initiative to build the new Silk Road and identify the vital areas of the Arab world to engage in and benefit from it.

We hope that these contributions will be a new addition, and that the decision makers in the Arab private sector, the Arab governments and the joint Arab economic institutions will receive the necessary attention.