Manama:Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, led the 71st meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Committee for Commercial Cooperation in Bahrain.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting was attended by Jassim Mohammed Albudaiwi, the Secretary-General of the GCC, along with the GCC Ministers of Commerce. The focus was on enhancing trade cooperation and integration among GCC countries to support intra-GCC trade and improve the business environment, advancing Gulf economic integration.
Minister Fakhro highlighted the importance of this meeting in the context of rapid economic and trade developments along with regional and international challenges. He emphasized the necessity for increased coordination and joint efforts to protect the interests of GCC countries, maintain economic stability, and adapt to global changes. The Minister also stressed the need to facilitate trade flows, ensure supply-chain continuity, and take advantage of emerging global economic opportunities.
He pointed out the considerable growth in trade exchange among GCC countries since the establishment of the Customs Union, which illustrates progress in Gulf economic integration and enhances the GCC's economic and commercial position both regionally and internationally. Fakhro called for further development of trade cooperation, support for the private sector, encouragement of investment, and expansion of markets for Gulf products and services to ensure sustainable economic growth.
The meeting also covered several agenda items focused on strengthening GCC trade cooperation and integration, addressing intra-GCC trade challenges, enhancing the business environment, and boosting the competitiveness of Gulf products.