The council’s seventh regular session was held on Monday under the chairmanship of its Vice President Bandar bin Mohammed Hajjar to consider a number of topics on its agenda.
“The decision to recommend the Kingdom to become a member of the organization was taken after a careful study of the International Sugar Agreement which has 46 articles in its 12 chapter convention,” said the council’s secretary-general, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, in a statement following the session.
He added that membership of the 84 member organization will provide the Kingdom with an opportunity to exchange views of producers and consumers on a global forum. “Being an International Sugar Organization member we will be able to keep track of developments in the food industry and its strategy. It will also help our consumers,” he said.
The Kingdom is a member of the World Trade Organization and as a member of the UN it is also affiliated to the Food and Agricultural Organization.
The International Sugar Organization administers the internationally negotiated 1992 International Sugar Agreement to ensure enhanced international cooperation in connection with world sugar matters and related issues and to provide a forum for intergovernmental consultations on sugar and on ways to improve the world sugar economy. It also facilitates trade by collecting and providing information on the world sugar market and other sweeteners and to encourage increased demand for sugar, particularly for nontraditional uses.
Considering the rising incidence of traffic violations and road accidents, Al-Ghamdi said that the members have approved the draft regulations of the National Committee for Traffic Safety.
He added that the draft rule will identify causes of traffic accidents and violations. In addition to traffic rules and regulations, the members called for the holding of a Kingdomwide awareness campaign on traffic regulations. They also recommended the employment of state-of-the art technology for the benefit of road users.
Seminars and conferences should be organized for law enforcement officers, motorists and pedestrians. Repeated traffic offenders should face stringent punishment such as heavy fines and, if necessary, suspension of their licenses, said Al-Ghamdi, adding that traffic accidents also cause social, economic, health and psychological problems to those involved.
A report from the Customs Department was also tabled at yesterday’s session.
