GCC exempts donkeys from import duties

Gulf oil producers have decided to exempt donkeys and other animals from import taxes within a list of 811 products that are given free access to the lucrative Gulf markets, a Saudi newspaper said on Thursday.

The decision will take effect on the beginning of 2012 and it will also cover dolphins, buffalos, ducks and geese, ostriches, turkeys, whales, dogs, foxes, bees birds of prey and other animals and birds.

“The decision to include donkeys in the exemption list was apparently prompted by the fact that they have become rare in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) because of massive development plans in the region and a surge in their deaths in traffic accidents,” the Arabic language daily Aleqtisadiah said.

“Donkeys can hardly be seen in GCC cities except for a few number at border areas and villages….just before oil was discovered in the Gulf, donkeys were among key means of transport in the region.”

GCC states -- UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, which control over 40 per cent of the world’s proven oil resources, are tied to a customs union and a Gulf market they have created over the past few years. The six members set up their defence, economic and political alliance in 1981.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.