It is important that Arab states invest heavily in training and development in order to support the regional economy during a downturn, Mervat Tellawi, co-ordinator general of an upcoming crisis summit for Arab states, has told Xinhua.

Speaking ahead of the Arab Economic, Development and Social Summit Ms Tellawi insisted that it providing the skills necessary to support employment and serve regional job markets - such as the oil and gas industry - is a key strategy in surviving the downturn.

However, she also called on regional actors to capitalise on the current plunge in oil prices by encouraging the easing of inflation.

"We must work to address negative impacts [of low oil prices] and maximize the positive aspects and use them," she advised.

Elsewhere, Ibrahim Al-Assaf, Saudi Arabia's finance minister, insisted that the country would meet its expanded budgetary commitment to projects such as the establishment of new universities by dipping into oil revenues that have accrued over the last three years.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development