Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar presided over the 59th meeting of the Committee of Undersecretaries of Commerce and the 45th meeting of the Committee of Undersecretaries of Industry of the Gulf Cooperation Council, held in Doha on Sunday, October 13, 2024.
The meetings were chaired by Mohammed bin Hassan Al Malki, Undersecretary of Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and were attended by their Excellencies the Undersecretaries of Commerce and Industry of the GCC countries, as well as Khalid bin Ali Al Sunaidi, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Development Affairs of the GCC Secretariat General.
Al Malki welcomed the Undersecretaries from the different GCC countries to Qatar, noting that these meetings are a continuation of efforts to enhance Gulf cooperation and integration, especially in light of global economic challenges such as the economic slowdown and supply chain disruptions.
He emphasised that the trade and industry sectors are pivotal in supporting economic development in the GCC countries and contributing to economic diversification.
He stressed the importance of continued coordination and cooperation among the GCC countries to enhance growth in the trade sector by eliminating obstacles, fostering economic and trade integration, and raising the level of intra-GCC trade. He also highlighted the need to explore new opportunities for the development of the private sector as a cornerstone for the growth of GCC economies.
He emphasised the pivotal role of the industrial sector in contributing to the gross domestic product of the GCC countries, supporting economic diversification strategies and achieving sustainable development.
He concluded his speech with a strong affirmation of Qatar’s efforts during its presidency of the preparatory committees, expressing confidence that the State of Qatar has effectively advanced initiatives to strengthen industrial, commercial, and investment cooperation across the GCC, driving the region closer to its goal of full integration for the benefit of its people.
He also extended his best wishes to the brotherly State of Kuwait for a successful and impactful presidency of the preparatory meetings in 2025.
The Undersecretaries of Commerce and Industry discussed a range of key issues of mutual interest, as outlined on their agenda.
The resulting recommendations have been submitted to their Excellencies, the Ministers of Commerce and Industry of the GCC countries, for approval and for the necessary decisions to be made during their upcoming meetings.
