In 2006, an agreement was made with the FAO on implementing a technical program for the development of the agricultural quarantines at Member States with a view to raising their technical efficiency and developing staff’s skills and capabilities so that they can handle the agricultural consignments in the light of the international laws, conditions and requirements to protect the GCC nationals and residents as well as environment and plants from plant epidemics and diseases, which would contribute to the facilitation and flow of trade. The second phase of this program is currently being implemented.