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Laws to bolster GCC legislative framework discussed

The Ministerial Development Council held a meeting on Sunday at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi to discuss, among other topics, several federal laws that stand to bolster the legislative infrastructure of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

During the meeting, chaired by Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the council discussed drafting of a federal law amending some provisions of Federal Law No 37 of 1992 regarding brands, which stands to improve coordination and integration between the GCC countries, in light of the global trends towards globalisation and economic blocs.

The measure also follows directives from GCC leaders to unify regulations and legislation. The new law includes all trademark registration procedures, empowers commerce and protects trademarks in all GCC countries.

This law is set to reflect positively on the UAE economy by improving the country's competitiveness and encouraging entrepreneurship among those eligible to register trademarks in all GCC countries. Entrepreneurs will be authorised to conduct their business - be it commercial, industrial, handicraft, corporate or services. The law extends to foreigners as well, provided they hail from a country that has signed a multilateral agreement where one or more GCC countries are a member.

The council also discussed drafting a federal law amending some provisions of Federal Law No 24 of 2006 concerning consumer protection, which helps achieve economic and commercial integration between GCC countries, by setting up an integrated legislative system that supports the rights of consumers and protects their interests. The law provides protection for consumers in GCC countries by implementing legislations that stand to create a healthy environment for consumers and ensure quality standards of goods and services.

Insurance law
In addition, the meeting saw the council discuss drafting a federal law amending Federal Law No 11 of 1992 concerning civil procedures and reviewed a proposal to form a committee that would conduct a study and a draft law for insurance against unemployment.

In government reports, the council reviewed the State Audit Institution's report regarding the final accounts of Etihad Rail for financial years 2014 and 2015, the final accounts of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation for financial years 2014 and 2015, as well as the final accounts of the National Exhibitions and Conferences Committee of the UAE for financial years 2014 and 2015.

The Council also reviewed the final accounts for the Emirates Red Crescent for financial year 2015 as well as the final accounts of the Real Estate Corporation for the financial year 2015. - Wam

• Abu Dhabi