Solving labour issues will help the Arab world fight off the global financial crisis, it was announced.

The importance of tackling issues such as protecting workers' rights and organising the labour market could be crucial for future growth, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Economic Development Board chairman, said.

He was speaking as he opened the 37th Arab Labour Organisation Conference, which began at the Gulf Hotel's International Convention and Exhibition Centre yesterday.

'The active participation of officials from Arab countries in the current circumstances of the financial crisis only highlights the importance of this conference,' he said.

'It will help us move forward and face the consequences of the crisis.

'This conference is one of the main tributaries to joint Arab work as it is a meeting point to co-ordinate between basic production elements.'

HRH the Crown Prince also stressed the need for delegates to come up with recommendations for Arab leaders to fulfil at the end of the conference.-TradeArabia News Service