Dr. Fawaz Al-Alami, along with a group of Saudi officials and businessmen, is responsible for negotiations related to the Kingdom’s entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO). The team, I suppose, is like a battalion fighting a war for our traditions, values and interests. Every country of course has its agenda, requirements and interests. Wherever he goes, Dr. Al-Alami faces questions about why we want to join the WTO? What are the negative aspects? Why is oil not included in WTO agreements? I know how shrewd Dr. Al-Alami is. He blames writers, specifically economists and international relations specialists, for not discussing the matter in depth and for not debating it on a scientific basis. Had these things been done, people would understand what they are reading and hearing about the WTO. I have asked Dr. Al-Alami about the exact number on the Saudi team. This is of prime importance because such negotiations require an extraordinary number of knowlegeable professionals in trade, industry, labor and law. The Israeli team, for example, consisted of some four hundred members and some teams from other countries even exceed five hundred. As openness is the cornerstone of the WTO, it is assumed that what is needed is quality not quantity.
We were invited by Mr. Waheeb Binzagr to his house and our host made it clear that it would be better not to interrupt the discussions. For one more time I attempted to ask Dr. Al-Alami why journalists are being blamed. Why the media, TV, radio and other sources of information are absent? Why do not all these resources collaborate for the required public enlightenment?
They should sponsor symposiums of experts to inform us. Dr. Al-Alami was unfortunately too busy answering other questions to tackle mine.