Manama: Jassim Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed the importance of the Bab Al Bahrain Forum as a platform for exploring innovative responses to global economic challenges. Speaking at the forum, held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and attended by Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Albudaiwi joined a panel titled Navigating Economic Transformation: The Impact of Shifting Global Blocs on Stability and Growth.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the session also featured ministers and senior officials from Bahrain and international organisations. Albudaiwi commended Bahrain for hosting the forum and supporting regional economic development. He reviewed the implications of recent global trends on GCC economies, including volatility in financial markets, reduced energy demand, lower oil prices, fiscal pressures, and rising inflation.
Albudaiwi underlined the GCC's resilience in the face of these challenges, crediting sound leadership and strategic planning. He also addressed the importance of maintaining balanced foreign relations with both Eastern and Western partners, while enhancing the region's appeal as a destination for international investment.
In light of the evolving trade environment, Albudaiwi pointed to opportunities for the GCC to become a neutral hub for global supply chains and to attract greater foreign direct investment. He emphasised the role of green and digital technologies in supporting economic transformation and strengthening competitiveness.