21.   Arab states agreed last month on a gradual removal of customs barriers to create a free trade zone that has eluded them for decades.

22.   Arab states have been locked in efforts to activate internal trade, hit by customs barriers, political rifts, and financial and economic problems.

23.   But the Fund has failed to lift such exchange as political disputes and customs barriers persisted.

24.   The participants will study ways to lower customs barriers and encourage private sector involvement in infrastructure projects, tourism, trade and industry.

25.   Trade has remained low even within regional groupings, despite measures to remove customs barriers and ease travel for individuals.

26.   Yeltsin told customs officials at the airport that they should work to remove customs barriers with neighbouring Ukraine.

27.   Nazarbayev said that free trade achieved by dismantling customs barriers between ex-Soviet countries could help peace and consolidate independence.