Cooperation in the Arab Countries: Common Problems

The countries forming the region classified as developing societies remain below the economic and social norms of the industrialised world. With the exception of the oil producing countries in the Gulf area and Libya, the per capita share of the GNP is notably low and is ever-decreasing in most parts of the region. The main reasons for this situation are related to the growing population with inadequate human resources management, poor planning, declining productivity and heavy debt to foreign banks. This paper explores how governments in the Arab region are endeavouring to use the principles of cooperation as an effective tool for development and their role in supporting and promoting the cooperative movement.