The College of Administration and Economics at the University of Karbala organized a specialized scientific symposium titled “Arab Economic Integration: Between Ambition and Reality” in the Sayyid Al-Maa Hall, attended by the Dean of the College, Asst. Prof. Dr. Hashem Jabbar Al-Husseini, several faculty members, as well as postgraduate and undergraduate students.

The symposium featured a lecture by Prof. Alaa Ahmed Ibrahim Rizq from the Arab Republic of Egypt, who delivered an in-depth presentation discussing the concept of Arab economic integration and its strategic importance in promoting sustainable economic development among Arab countries. He reviewed key joint Arab experiences and the obstacles—economic, political, and legislative—that have hindered achieving advanced levels of integration.

The lecturer also addressed the gap between the theoretical ambition of Arab economic integration and its practical reality, highlighting the current challenges facing Arab economies amid regional and international changes. He proposed a set of practical solutions and mechanisms to enhance Arab economic cooperation and implement joint economic agreements in a way that serves mutual interests.

In his remarks, Asst. Prof. Dr. Hashem Jabbar Al-Husseini emphasized the importance of organizing such scientific symposiums, which broaden students’ knowledge horizons and promote constructive academic dialogue on contemporary economic issues. He highlighted the college’s commitment to hosting academics and experts from various Arab countries to exchange experiences and scientific insights.

The symposium included contributions and questions from faculty members and students, enriching the discussion and deepening the scientific understanding of Arab economic integration. The event concluded with expressions of gratitude to the lecturer for his valuable scientific contributions and to the organizing committees for their efforts in ensuring the success of the symposium.