Manama: The Kingdom of Bahrain hosted the 9th Extraordinary Meeting of Industry Undersecretaries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which discussed a number of strategic topics aimed at strengthening Gulf industrial and economic integration.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Eman Ahmed Al Doseri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, highlighted the importance of the topics on the agenda in supporting the competitiveness of the Gulf industrial sector and strengthening industrial integration among GCC member states in line with the principles of the GCC Common Market.
She noted that recent regional and international developments, and the circumstances witnessed in the region, have underscored the importance of enhancing the resilience of Gulf supply chains and reinforcing cooperation and coordination among member states to ensure the smooth flow of goods and national products, and to remove any obstacles that may affect trade exchange or Gulf industrial integration.
The meeting discussed agenda items, most notably a proposal to address localisation criteria according to industrial sectors within the definition of a GCC national product, and the implementation plan for lists of goods subject to collective protection. The discussions formed part of ongoing efforts to develop the Gulf industrial system and enhance its competitiveness, contributing to sustainable economic development and strengthening the position of GCC countries as an integrated economic and industrial hub.